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.