it needs mending

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs mending" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is broken or damaged and requires repair. Example: "The old chair has a loose leg; it needs mending before anyone can sit on it safely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

My typewriter is electric and so ancient that other typewriters have to be cannibalised when it needs mending.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For decades, the rhythm of British politics has been that the country swings left when a critical mass of voters feels the fabric of society needs mending – as it is beginning to do now, watching the NHS struggle – but swings right when it wants rigour restored or financial mess cleaned up.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now the repair job itself needs mending.

The Economist

"Chinese people have a saying, that you learn a fence needs mending after the sheep have run away," said Gao Jianguo, a researcher with the China Earthquake Administration, in Beijing.

The New York Times

Mend fences, if they need mending.

The New York Times

I like to buy vintage clothes that need mending.

The New York Times

The bridge to Sinn Fein's crucial American supporters needed mending.

The New York Times

Goodell said then that officials were calling the rule correctly but the rule itself needing mending.

The Washington Post

Before the game, Smith and Woodson met with reporters and said their relationship did not need mending.

The New York Times

But in two areas Mr Schröder has to be careful.First, relations with France, with which Germany has long shared a duopoly of power within the European Union, need mending.

The Economist

Some Fences Need Mending "We're talking about a guy who has been successful -- and successful quickly," said David Rebovich, director of the Rider Institute of New Jersey Politics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it needs mending", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable, "it needs mending" might sound too informal in highly formal or technical writing. Consider alternatives like "it requires repair" or "restoration is necessary" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs mending" primarily functions as a statement indicating that something is in a state of disrepair and requires attention to restore it to a usable or functional condition. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples showing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

7%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it needs mending" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that something is broken and requires repair. Ludwig AI highlights its acceptability and provides examples from diverse sources, primarily news media. While suitable for various contexts, it's crucial to consider the formality of the setting and opt for alternatives like "it requires repair" in more formal situations. The phrase effectively communicates the need for restoration and prompts action to address the issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires repair

Focuses directly on the necessity of fixing something broken or damaged.

it needs fixing

Offers a more informal and direct synonym for the action of mending.

it needs to be fixed

Uses a passive voice to emphasize the action that must be taken.

it's in need of repair

Rephrases the original, emphasizing the state of disrepair.

it requires patching up

Emphasizes a quick or temporary repair to address a problem.

it demands restoration

Highlights the need to bring something back to its original condition.

it needs some work

Indicates that effort is required to improve the condition of something.

it calls for refurbishment

Suggests a more extensive process of cleaning, repairing, and redecorating.

it warrants renovation

Indicates a significant overhaul or structural repair is needed.

it has to be corrected

Implies a need to rectify an error or fault.

FAQs

What does "it needs mending" mean?

The phrase "it needs mending" means that something is broken or damaged and requires repair. It implies that the item is not functioning as intended and requires attention to restore it to its original condition.

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

You can use alternatives like "it requires repair", "it needs fixing", or "it demands restoration" depending on the formality and context.

Is "it needs mending" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it needs mending" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure where "it" is the subject, "needs" is the verb, and "mending" functions as a gerund or verbal noun, describing the action required.

When is it appropriate to use "it needs mending"?

It's appropriate to use "it needs mending" in situations where you want to convey that something is broken and requires repair, especially in informal contexts. In more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "it requires maintenance" or "it requires attention".