it needs amending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs amending" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something requires changes or corrections. Example: "The document is not clear; it needs amending before we can proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Having argued along these lines myself a couple of weeks ago, I wouldn't dismiss the argument, but it needs amending.

The New Yorker

But it needs amending.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Labour peers' vote also contrasted with a sharp attack on the investigatory powers bill by the shadow home secretary, Diane Abbott, who described it as "draconian" and said the ruling demonstrated why it needed amending.

The Guardian

And if anything needs amending, it is partisan politics.

Huffington Post

You can do it for free by contacting Experian or Equifax and letting them know if your file needs amending.

The Guardian - Money

Much in the union needs amending.

The Guardian - Opinion

In addition, the Waste Disposal and Public Cleaning Law needs amending so that industries can effectively use municipal solid waste in their manufacturing.

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

So the Prime Minister should be asked if he will instruct the independent Climate Change Committee to examine whether the Act needs amending to reflect the new 1.5 degree goal.

Huffington Post

Whilst this reflects the body of UK research that May synthesised, it may need amending for use in the context of an Indigenous culture struggling with a lack of culturally sensitive healthcare.

BMC Health Services Research

(The fact that California's criminal revenge-porn law was lacking such an obvious inclusion and needed amending only a year into its existence is indicative of how quickly nonconsensual porn is outpacing attempts to legislate).

Vice

These laws would need amending so they apply to the navigational systems of self-driving cars.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it needs amending" when suggesting that changes or corrections are necessary for something to be accurate, effective, or up-to-date.

Common error

While "it needs amending" is acceptable, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound less direct. Consider using active voice where appropriate for a more impactful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs amending" functions as a statement indicating that something requires changes or corrections. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples show its application in various contexts, from legal documents to general reports.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it needs amending" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey the necessity of revisions or corrections. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in written English. While versatile across various contexts, from News & Media to Science, its register leans toward neutral, suggesting careful consideration of formality in specific professional or scientific environments. When using "it needs amending", clarity and precision are key to avoid ambiguity, and active voice alternatives can enhance directness. Alternatives such as "it requires revision" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires modification

Emphasizes the act of changing something, similar to amending but more general.

it requires revision

Focuses on the need to review and correct something, suitable for documents or plans.

it requires alteration

Highlights the necessity of making changes to something, often implying a more significant change than amending.

it needs to be revised

Passive voice construction that puts the emphasis on the action of revising.

it needs to be modified

Passive voice construction that puts the emphasis on the action of modifying.

it should be corrected

Implies a need to fix errors or inaccuracies, focusing on accuracy.

it should be adjusted

Suggests a need for fine-tuning or tweaking, often for better performance.

it warrants an update

Indicates that something is outdated and needs to be brought up to date.

it calls for rectification

A more formal way of saying something needs to be corrected, suitable for official documents.

it demands improvement

Highlights the need to enhance the quality or performance of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "it needs amending" to indicate that something requires changes or corrections. For example, "The report is generally good, but "it needs amending" before submission".

What can I say instead of "it needs amending"?

You can use alternatives like "it requires revision", "it needs to be revised", or "it requires modification" depending on the context.

Is "it needs amending" formal or informal?

The phrase "it needs amending" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain situations.

What's the difference between "it needs amending" and "it needs to be amended"?

Both phrases convey the same meaning, but "it needs to be amended" is in the passive voice, which can sometimes sound less direct than the active form ""it needs amending"".