it needs some work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs some work" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase is used to describe something that could be improved, with the implication that it will take effort to do so. For example, "The project is progressing but it needs some work if it is to be ready for the exhibition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

OK, maybe it needs some work.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I have a third, but it needs some work.

The New Yorker

We have a great transportation system in our country, but it needs some work.

The New York Times

When you see something that seems like a bargain, but it needs some work, how do you know if it's worth the money?

The New York Times

If this is Tesla's vision of long-distance travel in America's future, I thought, and the solution to what the company calls the "road trip problem," it needs some work.

The New York Times

A book containing 20 of his best pieces, "Sports Illustrated: Going Deep," published by the magazine's books division, went on sale Monday, but his technique promoting it needs some work.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It needed some work, but I'd have been happy to drive home the 1966 Austin Mini Cooper S.

The New York Times

"When I came here in 1991 I though the university had some real potential, but it needed some work.

The New York Times

If the federation decided the company met the standard, it awarded a "thumbs up" symbol; if it needed some work, it got a hammer; and if it didn't meet the standard, it got a "thumbs down".

The New York Times

"It needed some work, but the market at the time was strong and Larchmont is a very desirable town," said Ms. Juergens, 48, a former magazine editor who now works in public relations.

The New York Times

I visited the still-scaffolded monument last week: up close you can see why it needed some work, especially on the reliefs that surround it and depict scenes of artillery warfare.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it needs some work", be specific about what aspects require improvement to provide clear direction for those involved.

Common error

Avoid using "it needs some work" as a vague criticism. Always follow up with specific points to enhance understanding and facilitate effective changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs some work" functions as a comment or evaluation indicating that a particular item, project, or idea requires further development or refinement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies a need for improvement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

19%

Science

9%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it needs some work" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something requires improvement or further development. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. It's versatile enough for news, general conversation, and professional contexts, although it's less frequent in highly formal or scientific settings. When employing this phrase, specificity is key; providing clear guidance on the areas needing improvement ensures effective communication and constructive progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires improvement

Focuses more directly on the necessity for enhancement.

it could use some refining

Suggests a need for finer adjustments and polishing.

it needs further development

Highlights the need for more progress and building upon the existing state.

it is not quite ready

Indicates that something is incomplete or unfinished.

it needs polishing

Emphasizes the need for surface-level improvements.

it requires more tweaking

Implies the need for small adjustments to optimize performance.

it is a work in progress

Acknowledges that something is still being developed and refined.

it has room for improvement

Indicates that there is potential for enhancement.

it isn't up to par yet

Suggests that something does not meet the required standards.

it calls for refinement

Formally suggests that refinement is required.

FAQs

How can I use "it needs some work" in a sentence?

You can use "it needs some work" to express that something requires improvement or refinement, for example, "The initial draft of the report is promising, but "it needs some work" before it's finalized."

What are some alternatives to "it needs some work"?

Alternatives include "it requires improvement", "it could use some refining", or "it needs further development", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "it needs work" or "it needs some work"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "It needs some work" is slightly more common and can sound less direct than "it needs work".

What is the difference between "it needs some work" and "it's perfect"?

"It needs some work" implies that something is not yet complete or satisfactory, while "it's perfect" indicates that something is flawless and requires no further changes.