word choice - "Need of" vs. "need for"


Is "need of religion" grammatically incorrect as opposed to "need for religion"?


Or "need of salt" vs. "need for salt"?



Answer



With "of":




  • have need of: This is very formal usage, though, as simply using "need" would suffice



    They had need of shelter.





  • in need of: This is more commonly used in everyday English



    I am in need of clothing.





With "for":



  • need for:

    There is [a] need for discipline in the classroom.



    Using the article "a" in the above example would be superfluous but it may emphasize that specific need. With a qualifier, the article becomes useful, although it can also be done away with, as in:

    There is [an] urgent need for discipline in the classroom.




  • have a need for:

    I have a need for food.



    This usage is awkward, at best, but it is not grammatically incorrect. However, it is more commonly used in the negative

    I have no need for spiritual enlightenment.





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