it requires improvement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it requires improvement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something is not meeting the desired standards and needs to be enhanced or developed further. Example: "The project report is well-structured, but it requires improvement in the analysis section to provide more depth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Three critical Ofsted reports have said it "requires improvement".

The Guardian

The trust was also told it requires improvement for being effective and responsive, although it was rated good for caring.

The Guardian

Similarly London's Harley Street Clinic, run by HCA International, was rated as good overall, even though it "requires improvement" for both safety and the treatment of children.

Independent

After the inspection in March, Fosse Way scored "inadequate" in all areas but caring, for which it "requires improvement".

BBC

The fix: This is a hard problem to fix and unfortunately, it requires improvement in skills, systems, technology, process, integration, and collaboration.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

UCL academy school in Camden, the first school in the country to have a university – University College London – as sole sponsor, was told by Ofsted it required improvement.

The Guardian

The CQC's most recent inspection report on Colchester hospital, published in July, found that it required improvement in the key areas of safety and responsiveness and had inadequate leadership.

The Guardian

CQC's most recent inspection report on Colchester hospital, published in July, found that it required improvement in the key areas of safety and responsiveness and had inadequate leadership.

The Guardian

Comments identify aspects of why and how cancer care was good, and whether or not it required improvement, from the patients' perspective.

BMJ Open

Satisfactory used to be an ok place from which to develop; now it means requires improvement, which can mean competency questions.

The Guardian

The Care Quality Commission says it still requires improvement, but has made great strides.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it requires improvement", be specific about which aspects need enhancement to provide clear direction for improvement.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "it requires improvement" without providing context or specific areas for enhancement. Always offer concrete suggestions or indications for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it requires improvement" serves as a critical assessment tool, pointing out specific areas or aspects that need further enhancement or development. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig showcase its application in evaluating schools, hospitals, and project designs.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it requires improvement" is a straightforward way to express the need for enhancement in a particular area. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English. Its use spans various contexts, including assessments of institutions, processes, and projects. While not exceptionally common, the phrase serves as a clear and direct means of providing constructive criticism. To maximize its impact, always provide specific details about where improvement is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it needs to be enhanced

Focuses on the necessity of making enhancements.

it is in need of refinement

Highlights the need for a more delicate or precise adjustment.

it could be better

A more casual way of saying that something isn't perfect.

it is not up to par

Indicates that the subject doesn't meet the expected standards.

it falls short of expectations

Emphasizes the difference between the reality and the expected outcome.

it has room for growth

Highlights the potential for further development and improvement.

it would benefit from adjustments

Suggests that certain changes would improve the outcome.

it is suboptimal

A more technical term indicating less than ideal performance.

it is improvable

Simply states that improvement is possible.

it leaves something to be desired

A polite way of saying that something is lacking.

FAQs

How can I use "it requires improvement" in a sentence?

You can use "it requires improvement" to point out areas that need further development. For example, "The design is innovative, but "it requires improvement" in user interface."

What are some alternatives to saying "it requires improvement"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "it needs to be enhanced", "it could be better", or "it is not up to par", depending on the context.

Is "it requires improvement" formal or informal?

The phrase "it requires improvement" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more specific language might be preferred in professional settings.

What's the difference between "it requires improvement" and "it is inadequate"?

"It requires improvement" suggests that something is not yet perfect but has the potential to be better, whereas "it is inadequate" implies that something is fundamentally insufficient or unacceptable in its current state.