it needed repair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needed repair" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is in a state of disrepair or requires fixing. Example: "The old car sat in the driveway for years because it needed repair before it could be driven again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was supposed to be closed, it was not in the best of conditions, it needed repair," he said.

The Guardian

"We thought it was a good deal even though it needed repair," said Ms. Carter, who did not hire a home inspector.

The New York Times

For example, if a technician has to fix a radiation machine at a hospital, using ServiceMax, the repair person has the customer's history available, and knows why the machine signaled it needed repair.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Indeed, it continued as a theatre and was widely used until the late 90s when the entire building, because it needed repairs, was closed.

The Guardian - Books

What has the historical association done with Marlpit Hall? A. The house was given to the association in the 1930's and was open for tours for many years, but it had been moved in 1911 to make way for a change to Kings Highway and after being open for all those years it needed repairs.

The New York Times

The party certainly knows it needs repair.

The New York Times

If it needs repair, I'll fix it".

The New Yorker

If it needs repair, I'll fix it.... Does anybody truly believe that Romney is planning to spend any presidential time dreaming up ways to fix the safety net for the benefit of the very poor?

The New York Times

If it needs repair, I'll fix it," Romney told CNN Wednesday morning.

Huffington Post

And then doubling down on his error, by promising to "fix the holes" in the safety net, if it "needs repair".

Huffington Post

"We're just getting old — it's just like my shoulder's bothering me... it just gets old and it needs repair".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it needed repair", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to, preventing ambiguity. For instance, specify "the bridge needed repair" instead of just "it needed repair" if the subject is unclear.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "it needed repair". While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound weak. Opt for active voice where appropriate; instead of "the house it needed repair", consider "the house required repair".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needed repair" functions as a clause within a sentence, typically acting as a statement indicating that something was in a state of disrepair or required fixing. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it used to describe facilities, properties, and even abstract concepts like a party or a system.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it needed repair" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something required fixing or restoration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. Although examples are rare, as demonstrated in Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media, with neutral register. While versatile, clarity is essential, ensuring the "it" refers is clearly defined. For alternative phrasing, consider "it required maintenance" or "it was in need of fixing" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had to be fixed

Expresses the necessity of repair in a more direct and concise manner. Direct statement of fact.

it was in need of fixing

Rephrases using "in need of fixing", highlighting the state of disrepair and the action required. Highlights the result (fixing) instead of the action (repair).

it suffered damage and required fixing

Explicitly states the presence of damage and the subsequent need for fixing. Cause (damage) and result (fixing).

it required maintenance

Replaces "repair" with "maintenance", emphasizing upkeep rather than fixing a specific issue. Has the effect of talking about a general need instead of a specific.

it was broken and needed mending

Uses both "broken" and "mending" to reinforce the idea of something being damaged and requiring repair. Mending is a more concrete fixing.

it needed to be restored

Focuses on returning something to its original condition through repair. More about an extensive and complete solution.

it was not functioning correctly

Focuses on the malfunction, implying the need for repair to restore proper function. More about the problem instead of fixing it.

it demanded immediate attention

Shifts focus to the urgency of the situation, implying repair is necessary but emphasizing the timing. Highlights urgency more than fixing or repair.

it was faulty and required a solution

Highlights the faultiness of something and the necessity of finding a resolution, shifting away from the specific act of repair. Solution can be more than just repair.

it called for restoration

Emphasizes a more extensive repair or return to a previous state. More about going to the origin, like new.

FAQs

How can I use "it needed repair" in a sentence?

Use "it needed repair" to describe something that was in a state of disrepair and required fixing, such as "The old car sat in the driveway because it needed repair before it could be driven again".

What can I say instead of "it needed repair"?

You can use alternatives like "it required maintenance", "it was in need of fixing", or "it had to be fixed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it needed repair" or "it needed to be repaired"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "It needed repair" is a more concise way of saying "it needed to be repaired". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

What's the difference between "it needed repair" and "it required repair"?

"It needed repair" suggests a more general need, while "it required repair" may imply a more specific or formal assessment of the situation. The difference is subtle, and they are often interchangeable.