it needs taking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs taking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires action or attention, often in a context where a task or responsibility is implied. Example: "The project is falling behind schedule; it needs taking care of immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It needs taking apart.

The New Yorker

But Susan hasn't indicated that she has an edge, or, if she does, that it needs taking off.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But it also needs taking with a bucket of salt.

The Guardian

If you're not in on the game, it need take no account of you.

The New Yorker

This was a brutal crime and those behind it need taken off our streets.

The Guardian

I would stress that it needs to be taken seriously.

Independent

And it needs to be taken care of".

The New York Times

It's so incredibly lovely, and it needs to be taken seriously before it all disappears.

Independent

"It needs to be taken seriously," he said.

BBC

It needs to be taken seriously".

Vice

Tampa's mayor said it needs to be taken down.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it needs taking" when you want to emphasize that something requires a specific action to be performed, often implying a problem that needs fixing or a task that needs completing.

Common error

Avoid using "it needs taking" excessively in formal writing, as it can sometimes sound less direct. Consider using active voice constructions for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs taking" functions as a descriptor indicating that something requires a specific action or intervention. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, emphasizing the necessity of addressing a task or problem.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it needs taking" is a grammatically correct expression indicating that something requires action or attention. As Ludwig confirms, it is usable in various contexts, predominantly within news and media. While not exceedingly common, it serves to emphasize the necessity of addressing a task or resolving a problem. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "it requires attention" or "it demands action". When using "it needs taking", ensure it aligns with the formality of your writing, and consider using active voice for greater clarity in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires attention

Replaces "needs taking" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the necessity of focus.

it demands action

Highlights the urgency and imperative nature of the required intervention.

it calls for intervention

Emphasizes the need for a deliberate and purposeful involvement.

it necessitates handling

Implies a need for careful and skilled management of the situation.

it requires addressing

Focuses on the need to confront and deal with a specific issue.

it is in need of repair

Specifically suggests that something is broken and needs fixing.

it warrants consideration

Indicates that something is worthy of careful thought and evaluation.

it should be addressed

A passive construction focusing on the action that needs to be performed.

it must be handled

Expresses a strong obligation or necessity for the action to be performed.

it is essential to act

Highlights the critical importance of taking action promptly.

FAQs

What does "it needs taking" mean?

The phrase "it needs taking" implies that something requires a specific action or intervention to be addressed or resolved. It suggests a task or responsibility that must be undertaken.

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

You can use "it needs taking" to indicate that something requires attention or action. For example, "The project is falling behind schedule; "it needs taking" care of immediately."

What are some alternatives to "it needs taking"?

You can use alternatives like "it requires attention", "it demands action", or "it calls for intervention" depending on the context.

Is "it needs taking" grammatically correct?

Yes, according to Ludwig, the phrase "it needs taking" is grammatically correct and usable in written English. However, consider the formality of the context when choosing this phrase.