it needs to be challenged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it needs to be challenged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing an idea, belief, or situation that requires scrutiny or questioning. Example: "The current policy on remote work is outdated; it needs to be challenged to reflect the changing work environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It needs to be challenged, especially now".

The Guardian - Tech

It needs countervailing ideas; it needs to be challenged".

The Guardian

Religious hatred, particularly Islamophobia, is a real and corrosive influence in political and media discourse and it needs to be challenged and resisted.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the fact that we need two rates - £7.45 outside London and £8.55 within – tells us a lot about the nature of inequality in the UK and the means by which it needs to be challenged.

The Guardian

He added, "I think assumption is an interesting element and it needs to be challenged.

Vice

"I think assumption is an interesting element and it needs to be challenged.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Kids who are struggling need education, but kids who can already do it need to be challenged as highly as possible".

The New York Times

"Robin and I needed to be challenged, and it had to be something with tremendous potential and a lot of space".

The New York Times

But I need to be challenged.

BMC Medical Education

But its thesis needs to be challenged.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is this bias which needs to be challenged.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it needs to be challenged", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The policy is flawed; it needs to be challenged", specify: "The current remote work policy is flawed; it needs to be challenged to reflect the changing work environment".

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice when using the phrase. While grammatically correct, excessive passive voice can weaken your writing. Opt for active constructions where possible for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "The assumption needs to be challenged", consider "We must challenge the assumption".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs to be challenged" functions as a call for critical evaluation or opposition. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase highlights the necessity of scrutinizing an idea, assumption, or practice.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it needs to be challenged" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that calls for the critical evaluation or opposition of an idea, assumption, or practice. As Ludwig confirms, it's versatile enough for use in various contexts, ranging from news and media to academia and science. When writing, ensure clarity by explicitly defining what "it" refers to and avoiding overuse of passive voice for a more direct and impactful statement. Consider alternatives like "it should be questioned" or "it requires scrutiny" to fine-tune the nuance of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it should be questioned

Replaces "challenged" with "questioned", suggesting a need for inquiry rather than direct opposition.

it requires scrutiny

Emphasizes the need for careful and critical examination.

it demands a response

Highlights the urgency for an answer or action to counter a statement or situation.

it must be addressed

Focuses on the necessity of dealing with an issue or problem.

it warrants further investigation

Suggests that something deserves a more in-depth examination to uncover the truth.

it calls for reconsideration

Implies a need to rethink or re-evaluate a decision or stance.

it is ripe for reform

Suggests that an existing system or structure is ready for significant improvement or change.

it is open to debate

Indicates that a topic is not settled and invites discussion or disagreement.

it invites opposition

Suggests a statement or action that naturally provokes resistance or disagreement.

it should be re-evaluated

Emphasizes the need to assess something's value or effectiveness again.

FAQs

What does "it needs to be challenged" mean?

The phrase "it needs to be challenged" means that a particular idea, concept, assumption, or practice should be questioned, scrutinized, or opposed because it may be flawed, incorrect, or harmful. It suggests a call to action to critically evaluate something.

How can I use "it needs to be challenged" in a sentence?

You can use "it needs to be challenged" when you want to express that something should not be accepted without critical examination. For example: "The traditional approach to problem-solving is outdated; "it needs to be challenged"."

What can I say instead of "it needs to be challenged"?

You can use alternatives like "it should be questioned", "it requires scrutiny", or "it demands a response" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it needs to be challenged" formal or informal?

"It needs to be challenged" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and specific situation should guide your choice to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and register.