it needed to change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needed to change" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation, idea, or object that requires modification or improvement. Example: "After reviewing the project outcomes, it was clear that it needed to change to meet our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Yet he correctly divined that, having lost three elections in a row on the right-wing platforms favoured by its members, it needed to change.

The Economist

Weir had argued it needed to change its pay deals because of its exposure to volatile commodity markets.

The Guardian - Business

Last year, even as defaults rose, the company was slow to recognize that it needed to change its business practices and lend more conservatively.

The New York Times

He said it needed to change its culture to put customers first.

BBC

Without a reaction wheel to change its direction along all three axes, Kepler would have to burn precious fuel every time it needed to change its view or spin around to send data home.

TechCrunch

"The Department really did need to change its use-of-force policies and procedures, and it needed to change many of its accountability systems".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Sources close to Alcatel say that its management knows it needs to change.

Forbes

Work is changing, and IT needs to change along with it.

Harvard Business Review

It needs to change its whole system," he wrote.

TechCrunch

It has publicly acknowledged that it needs to change its business model and to find new ways to reach nonconsumers.

Forbes

The company has said it needs to change its use to make it more sustainable in the long term.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "it needed to change", consider the impact of the change and whether it addresses the core problem or merely offers a superficial solution.

Common error

Avoid using "it needed to change" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. Ensure the subject is explicitly defined or easily understood from the surrounding text to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needed to change" functions as a concise declaration that a specific entity or situation required modification at some point in the past. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it needed to change" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression signifying a past requirement for modification or alteration. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and the example sentences illustrate its versatility across various contexts, predominantly in news, academic, and business settings. While semantically straightforward, writers should ensure clarity by providing a clear antecedent for 'it' to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrasing can provide nuanced emphasis on the type or degree of change required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was necessary to change

Emphasizes the necessity or compulsion for the change.

it required modification

Highlights the need for specific alterations or adjustments.

it had to be altered

Focuses on the obligation or inevitability of altering something.

it demanded a shift

Implies a strong need for a significant change in direction or approach.

it called for revision

Suggests a formal or structured review and subsequent changes.

it became imperative to adjust

Stresses the critical importance of making adjustments.

it was essential to transform

Highlights the fundamental need for a complete change in form or nature.

it was time for an overhaul

Indicates that a comprehensive renovation or restructuring was necessary.

it necessitated a different approach

Focuses on the need for a new or alternative method.

it warranted a course correction

Implies that the original path was flawed and needed to be adjusted.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it needed to change"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was necessary to change", "it required modification", or "it had to be altered" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "it needed to change" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it needed to change" is grammatically correct. The phrase is a simple statement indicating that something required alteration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness.

What's the difference between "it needed to change" and "it needs to change"?

"It needed to change" refers to a past requirement for alteration, while "it needs to change" indicates a present or ongoing requirement. The tense is the key difference.

In what contexts is "it needed to change" most appropriately used?

"It needed to change" is appropriately used in retrospective analyses or narratives when describing a situation where change was a necessary action in the past. Example: "The strategy wasn't working, so "it needed to change".