it could use some refining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could use some refining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that something, such as a piece of writing or a project, needs improvement or enhancement. Example: "The report is informative, but it could use some refining to make the arguments clearer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two promising fish entrees could use some refining, too.

The New York Times

This is a philosophy that could use some refining.

Forbes

"It could use some wasabi".

The New Yorker

It could use some insurance itself.

Forbes

It could use some work.

Huffington Post

It could still use some refining, but researchers report that they trained their device on a tobacco mosaic virus; for the first time, they have been able to create an image of a native organic molecule in three dimensions.

Forbes

The method, called catalytic hydropyrolysis, could use the refining and distribution systems now used for gasoline to create a fuel that would work in modern engines.

Princeton University

The method, called catalytic hydropyrolysis, could use the refining and distribution systems now used for gasoline to create a fuel that would work in modern engines, say Larson, a senior research engineer, and Meerman, a postdoctoral fellow, both at the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment.

Princeton University

At a minimum, they could develop customer databases that they could use to refine their marketing campaigns.

The Economist

Payzant's point also applies to many other markets in which a given participant's preference may rest on private information that other participants could use to refine their preferences and thus produce a better outcome for all concerned.

Harvard Business Review

And, of course, Google itself could use it if it wanted to, which, company officials say, it doesn't, except as a data source to refine its products.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it could use some refining", ensure the context clearly identifies what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it could use some refining" in highly formal or critical evaluations. Opt for more direct and professional language like "requires further development" or "needs improvement" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could use some refining" functions as a polite suggestion for improvement. Ludwig's examples show it used in contexts where something is generally good but not yet at its best. It softens the critique, making it more palatable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it could use some refining" is a polite and constructive way to suggest that something needs improvement. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, though it's more common in neutral to informal settings. While there aren't a plethora of examples, the phrase appears across News & Media, Academia, and Scientific sources, indicating its broad usability. Remember to use it when you want to offer feedback in a gentle and encouraging manner. Alternatives include "it needs some improvement" or "it could benefit from some work", depending on your specific communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it needs some improvement

Directly states the need for enhancement, focusing on the act of improving.

it requires further development

Emphasizes the ongoing process of building and expanding upon something.

it could benefit from some work

Suggests that additional effort would be advantageous.

it could use some polishing

Highlights the need for surface-level refinement and attention to detail.

it needs to be fine-tuned

Focuses on making small adjustments for optimal performance.

it calls for some adjustments

Implies that changes are necessary to achieve a desired outcome.

it is not quite perfect yet

Acknowledges imperfections and suggests further work is needed.

it has room for improvement

Indicates potential for positive change and growth.

it could be further optimized

Highlights the possibility of maximizing efficiency or effectiveness.

it warrants further attention

Suggests that something deserves more focus and consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "it could use some refining" in a sentence?

You can use "it could use some refining" when you want to suggest that something needs improvement or further work. For example, "The presentation is good, but "it could use some refining" before the final review."

What are some alternatives to "it could use some refining"?

Alternatives include "it needs some improvement", "it requires further development", or "it could benefit from some work", depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it could use some refining"?

This phrase is appropriate in situations where you want to offer constructive criticism in a relatively gentle manner. It's suitable for informal feedback sessions or when discussing works in progress.

Is "it could use some refining" too informal for business communication?

While acceptable in some internal team discussions, "it could use some refining" might be too informal for external or high-stakes business communication. More formal options like "it needs some polishing" or "it requires further attention" are often more suitable.