it needs rebuilding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs rebuilding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something requires repair or reconstruction. Example: "The old bridge has been closed for safety reasons because it needs rebuilding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Now it needs rebuilding.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's O.K. if it falls down, comes apart, changes, needs rebuilding.

The New York Times

Infrastructure needs rebuilding.

The New York Times

His implication is that Chelsea needs rebuilding.

The New York Times - Sports

The country's infrastructure urgently needs rebuilding.

The New York Times - Arts

The Conservative Party itself needs rebuilding, too.

The Economist

For those who haven't noticed, we have a nation that needs rebuilding here at home.

The New York Times

In Leer they've all fled and therefore the basis for our operation there needs rebuilding.

The Guardian

America needs rebuilding, and Barack Obama wants to give us a stimulus.

Forbes

Bilham argues that "Most of Iran needs rebuilding".

Wikipedia

A home that was shattered and urgently needs rebuilding.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it needs rebuilding", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your message is easily understood.

Common error

While acceptable in various settings, avoid overuse of "it needs rebuilding" in highly formal writing where more precise or sophisticated language might be preferred. Consider more specific verbs or nouns to convey the need for reconstruction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs rebuilding" functions as a statement indicating that something is in a state requiring reconstruction or repair. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and examples show its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it needs rebuilding" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that something requires repair or reconstruction. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral, formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "it requires reconstruction". Usage tips include ensuring clarity in reference and avoiding overuse in overly formal writing. Common errors center on formality. The phrase conveys a clear call to action, highlighting the need for restoration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires reconstruction

Replaces "rebuilding" with the more formal term "reconstruction".

it has to be rebuilt

Emphasizes the necessity of rebuilding using a passive construction.

it must be reconstructed

Uses "must" to indicate a stronger obligation for reconstruction.

it is in need of repair

Shifts the focus to the state of disrepair, using a more general term.

it is crying out for restoration

Employs a more evocative and urgent tone, suggesting significant degradation.

it is falling apart and needs fixing

Breaks the initial phrase into two parts, adding a more informal expression (fixing) to emphasize the bad condition.

it's time for a complete overhaul

Suggests a thorough renovation or transformation, rather than simple rebuilding.

it's structurally unsound and requires immediate attention

Highlights the structural issues and the urgency of the situation.

it's beyond repair and needs complete replacement

Indicates that rebuilding is not sufficient and a new structure is necessary.

it's in dire need of refurbishment

Uses refurbishment rather than rebuilding to suggest an overall need for improvements to bring something back into good condition.

FAQs

What does "it needs rebuilding" mean?

The phrase "it needs rebuilding" means that something is in a state of disrepair or damage and requires reconstruction or significant repair to restore it to a usable or functional condition.

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

You can use alternatives like "it requires reconstruction", "it has to be rebuilt", or "it is in need of repair" depending on the context.

Is "it needs rebuilding" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it needs rebuilding" is grammatically correct. The pronoun "it" is followed by the verb "needs" and the gerund "rebuilding", forming a valid and understandable phrase.

Which is more formal, "it needs rebuilding" or "it requires reconstruction"?

It requires reconstruction is more formal than "it needs rebuilding". The former uses more sophisticated vocabulary, making it suitable for professional or academic contexts.