it needs adjustment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs adjustment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something requires modification or correction. Example: "After reviewing the report, I realized it needs adjustment to better reflect our findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"At this point you should taste and see if it needs adjustment," he says, taking a sip from his bar spoon.

Los Angeles Times

Their reports can contribute to the assessment of the curriculum and help to identify where it needs adjustment to fit with the learning objectives formulated by the teachers.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Does it need adjustment?

WikiHow

With only three months on the market, it is extremely unlikely that Wii U will be shelved, but it certainly needs adjustment.

TechCrunch

The orthotic center, run by physical therapists, fixes Gina's wheelchair when it breaks down or needs adjustment as she grows.

The New York Times

If they can adjust it for you, then there is no problem, it just needed adjustment.

WikiHow

The salon is being renovated and the sink needs adjustment.

The New Yorker

If they do not, then the frame is probably out of square and needs adjustment.

The New York Times

The model still needs adjustment considering other factors.

Geoenvironmental Disasters

If a company starts small and then achieves mass (Twitter) then the analysis needs adjustment.

TechCrunch

Why do I think my sleep schedule needs adjustment?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it needs adjustment", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. This prevents ambiguity and ensures clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "it needs adjustment" without specifying what "it" is. Always provide context to ensure clarity for the reader. For example, instead of just saying "It needs adjustment", specify "The budget report needs adjustment."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs adjustment" functions as a statement indicating that something requires modification or correction to improve its quality or effectiveness. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it needs adjustment" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something requires modification or correction. Ludwig's analysis highlights its versatility across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While maintaining a neutral register, the phrase is adaptable and easily understood, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication. Remember to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity and specify what "it" refers to, ensuring your message is precise and easily understood. The phrase can be easily replaced using synonyms that could enhance a style depending on a context such as "it requires modification" or "it could use some fine-tuning".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires modification

Changes the verb from 'needs' to 'requires' and 'adjustment' to 'modification', indicating a more formal tone.

it calls for tweaking

Replaces 'adjustment' with 'tweaking', suggesting a minor adjustment is necessary.

it demands refinement

Substitutes 'adjustment' with 'refinement', implying a need for improvement in precision or quality.

it could use some fine-tuning

Indicates that minor adjustments are needed to optimize performance or quality.

it necessitates correction

Emphasizes the need to fix errors or inaccuracies.

it has room for improvement

Suggests that there is potential for enhancing the current state.

it would benefit from revision

Indicates that reviewing and modifying would be advantageous.

it needs to be reworked

Implies a more significant level of modification, potentially requiring substantial changes.

it needs some alterations

Suggests that several changes are required.

it requires a change

Highlights the general need for a modification, using a more general term.

FAQs

How can I use "it needs adjustment" in a sentence?

Use "it needs adjustment" when you want to express that something requires modification or correction. For example: "The plan is good, but "it needs adjustment" to align with the new guidelines."

What are some alternatives to "it needs adjustment"?

You can use alternatives such as "it requires modification", "it needs tweaking", or "it could use some fine-tuning" depending on the context.

Is "it needs adjustment" formal or informal?

"It needs adjustment" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings. The level of formality often depends on the surrounding context.

What's the difference between "it needs adjustment" and "it needs adjustments"?

"It needs adjustment" implies a single, overall correction is needed, while "it needs adjustments" suggests multiple, specific changes are necessary. For example, "The recipe needs adjustment" versus "The settings need adjustments".