need repairing

USAGE SUMMARY

'need repairing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an object or item that needs to be repaired, such as a machine or household appliance. For example, "The dishwasher needs repairing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

I've got wigs that need repairing.

The New York Times

But it's not only ancient cathedrals which need repairing.

Independent

10.40am BST Alexander says many schools need repairing.

The Guardian

The road and the stone steps leading to the house need repairing.

The New York Times

Philadelphia, for instance, has older housing stock and things need repairing all the time.

The New York Times

Violins are quite fragile and most will need repairing sooner or later, so there is always a demand.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But there is still a lot more that needs repairing.

The New York Times

Then they might realise the system urgently needs repairing.

Independent

CONS: The brownstone facade needs repairing, and there is no central air.

The New York Times

The ship, built by BAE Systems, needed repairing again in Bahrain in 2012 after another engine failure.

The Guardian

If they'd played better last night, maybe it would not have needed repairing".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the specific item that "need repairing", be as precise as possible. Instead of saying "It needs repairing", specify "The engine needs repairing" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "Repairs are needed". Instead, specify what "needs repairing" to maintain clarity and directness in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need repairing" functions as a verb phrase indicating a requirement for something to be fixed or restored. As Ludwig AI notes, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts to express the necessity of repairs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "need repairing" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something requires fixing or restoration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources, and Ludwig examples show its use across varied contexts, from buildings and infrastructure to relationships. While maintaining a neutral register, "need repairing" clearly and directly communicates the necessity for repairs. Remember to specify the item needing repair for clarity, and avoid overuse of the passive voice for more impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require repair

Emphasizes necessity in a more formal tone.

must be repaired

Highlights the obligation or necessity of the repair.

require fixing

More informal alternative, suitable for everyday conversation.

need fixing

Informal and direct, implying a simple solution is needed.

should be fixed

Suggests a recommendation for repair rather than a strict requirement.

demand repair

Stronger emphasis on the urgency or importance of the repair.

are in need of repair

More descriptive and slightly more formal.

call for repair

Indicates that the situation necessitates a repair.

warrant repair

Suggests that the condition justifies the need for repair.

need to be mended

Implies a restoration to a previous, functional state.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "need repairing"?

A more formal alternative to "need repairing" is "require repair". This phrasing is suitable for professional or academic contexts.

How can I use "need repairing" in a sentence?

You can use "need repairing" to describe something that requires fixing, such as: "The old bridge will "need rebuilding" or the "The washing machine "needs maintaining"."

Is it better to say "need repair" or "need repairing"?

Both "need repair" and "need repairing" are acceptable, but "need repairing" is a gerund phrase that often sounds more natural in contemporary English. "Need repair" is more concise.

What's the difference between "need repairing" and "need to be repaired"?

The phrase "need repairing" is a more concise, gerund-based construction, while "need to be repaired" is a passive infinitive construction. They convey the same meaning but "need repairing" is often considered more direct.