it needs correcting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs correcting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something requires a correction or adjustment. Example: "The report has several errors; it needs correcting before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The error is the home secretary's and it needs correcting".

BBC

If the program wants to correct something and you don't understand why it needs correcting, try seeing if the program offers some kind of explanation (which is why Microsoft Word is recommended, as it will explain any grammatical errors).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Maybe each new philosophy of happiness corrects its predecessor's excesses until it, too, needs correcting, and by now the critique of cognitive therapy is well-established.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But if the whole SUV-phenomenon really is caused by an anomaly in the law, perhaps it is that which needs correcting in the first place.

The Economist

It's clear to all that this mistake needs correcting, and that's what the Email Privacy Act does.

TechCrunch

Science can only self-correct if there is awareness of what needs correcting.

eLife

So on the face of it, there was good reason to publish, even if flaws needed correcting.

The Guardian

Reading aloud will also help you catch proofreading errors that need correcting.

WikiHow

Try and focus on the positives of your students, even when they need correcting.

WikiHow

"But I need correct data, otherwise — " He chopped his hand through the air.

The New Yorker

In reference to that I need correct translation of Surah 15:26-30.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it needs correcting", ensure that the 'it' clearly refers to something specific in the context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying just "it needs correcting", you might specify: "The report needs correcting".

Common error

Avoid using "it needs correcting" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. This can confuse the reader. Instead, be specific about what requires correction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs correcting" functions as a declarative statement indicating that something requires correction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The word "it" serves as a placeholder referring to a previously mentioned entity, with "needs correcting" acting as a gerund phrase functioning as the object of the verb.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it needs correcting" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something requires correction. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is readily usable in various contexts. Its usage spans across news, wiki, and scientific domains. When employing the phrase, ensure that the referent of "it" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "it requires correction" or "it needs to be corrected" depending on the desired level of formality. Always aim for clarity to communicate effectively that "it needs correcting".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires correction

This alternative uses a more formal tone by using "requires" instead of "needs".

it needs to be corrected

This alternative uses a passive voice construction, which can shift the focus.

it needs adjustment

This alternative broadens the scope to include any kind of adjustment, not just error correction.

it requires adjustment

Similar to "it needs adjustment" but uses a more formal tone with "requires".

it demands correction

This alternative emphasizes the urgency or importance of the correction.

it demands to be corrected

Combines the urgency of "demands" with the passive voice construction.

it must be rectified

This alternative uses a more formal and assertive term, "rectified", implying a need for precise correction.

it has to be fixed

This alternative uses a more casual and direct term, "fixed", implying a repair.

it is in need of correction

This alternative is a more verbose way of saying the same thing, emphasizing the state of needing correction.

it calls for correction

This alternative suggests that the situation inherently necessitates correction.

FAQs

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

You can use "it needs correcting" to indicate that something requires a correction or adjustment. For instance, "The data set has several errors; "it needs correcting" before analysis."

What are some alternatives to "it needs correcting"?

Some alternatives include "it requires correction", "it needs to be corrected", or "it demands correction", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "it needs correcting" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it needs correcting" is grammatically correct. It uses a gerund phrase as the object of the verb "needs".

What is the difference between "it needs correcting" and "it needs to be corrected"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. "It needs correcting" is a more concise, active construction, while "it needs to be corrected" is a passive construction that emphasizes the action being performed on "it".