it needs editing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it needs editing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a piece of writing or content that requires editing for clarity, accuracy, or to improve its overall quality. For example, if you are editing an article for a magazine, you could say that 'it needs editing' to indicate that changes or revisions need to be made.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It needs editing.

The New York Times - Arts

Editors rejected his work repeatedly, Barker writes in the book, saying that it "needs editing".

The New Yorker

If it needs editing feel free to add more detail.

WikiHow

It needs editing, which was not the case last season with his "Rodents and Radios". Dealing with a related theme, the disorientation of young people living on the edge of life, that play had an exactitude that had one looking forward to each of the interlocking episodes.

The New York Times

It needs editing, rewriting, cutting, possibly ripping up and starting again.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I keep hearing people say that they thought "2666" was too long, that it needed editing.

The New Yorker

The play's main weakness, though, is that its big, sprawling, idea-rich script needs editing.

The New York Times

The playbook needs editing.

The New York Times - Sports

"America needs editing".

The New Yorker

On the programming side of the organization, we create a lot of content that needs editing.

Forbes

I thought, "Me, a junior reporter, editing a legendary editor?" Michaels read my mind: "Everyone needs editing".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it needs editing", specify what aspect requires editing. For example, say "the introduction needs editing for clarity" instead of simply "it needs editing."

Common error

Avoid using "it needs editing" without clearly defining what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse readers and diminish the effectiveness of your feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs editing" functions as a statement indicating that something requires revision. This phrase is typically used when assessing a piece of writing, a document, or any content that requires modifications to improve its quality, clarity, or accuracy, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it needs editing" is a concise and grammatically correct way to express that something requires revision for improvement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for indicating the necessity of editing in various contexts. While the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for both professional and informal communication. When using "it needs editing", ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to and what aspects require attention. Alternatives like "it requires revision" or "it could use some tweaking" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires revision

Focuses on the necessity of reviewing and altering the content.

it needs to be revised

Highlights the passive need for the content to undergo revision.

it requires polishing

Emphasizes the need for refinement and improvement in detail.

it could use some tweaking

Suggests minor adjustments and improvements are needed.

it needs some adjustments

Indicates that changes are required to improve accuracy or suitability.

it needs refinement

Highlights the necessity for making the content more precise and polished.

it should be reworked

Implies a need for significant alterations and restructuring.

it needs proofreading

Focuses specifically on correcting errors in grammar and spelling.

it could be improved

Suggests a general opportunity for enhancement.

it needs a second look

Indicates that further review and assessment are required.

FAQs

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

You can use "it needs editing" to indicate that a document, article, or piece of writing requires revisions and improvements. For example, "The report is well-researched, but "it needs editing" before submission."

What are some alternatives to saying "it needs editing"?

Alternatives include "it requires revision", "it needs to be revised", or "it could use some tweaking", depending on the context and the extent of the changes required.

Is "it needs editing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it needs editing" is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules, where "it" is the subject, "needs" is the verb, and "editing" functions as a gerundive noun, indicating the action required.

What's the difference between "it needs editing" and "it needs to be edited"?

"It needs editing" is a more concise way of saying "it needs to be edited". Both phrases convey the same meaning, but the former is slightly less formal. The latter emphasizes the passive action that needs to occur.