need some alteration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need some alteration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires changes or modifications. Example: "The design of the website is good, but it does need some alteration to improve user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

No Jets quarterback will have that good a target next season, and the offensive line may need some alteration.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now you'll need some alterations.

WikiHow

Almost every prom dress will need some alterations for a perfect fit.

WikiHow

They might need some alterations, but these dresses are like new and will cost you a fraction of the price.

WikiHow

But that image has long needed some alteration because in the dwindling world of rooftop fliers, as they are known, the men are as likely to be working-class blacks or Hispanics.

The New York Times

Of course, the house needed some alterations: it had never been insulated, so all the interior walls were removed and rebuilt after insulation was installed; and a new heating and air-conditioning system was inserted.

The New York Times

5) Figure 1 figure supplement 3, the legend needs some alterations.

eLife

But our one-size-fits-all approach to health needs some alterations.

Huffington Post

Rest or reduction in activity: mostly there will need to be some alteration in your running activity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's a collection that shows how close secular soul music and gospel can be, with songs by Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield and Aretha Franklin, which need no alteration to stand as gospel.

The New York Times - Arts

From our experiences with this study, the condition categories do not need any alteration, as they enabled characterisation of all the identified tensions.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer the phrase in contexts where minor or moderate changes are sufficient. For significant overhauls, consider stronger terms like "require restructuring".

Common error

While generally acceptable, using "need some alteration" excessively in formal or academic writing can sound less professional. Opt for alternatives like "require modification" or "necessitate revision" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need some alteration" functions as a statement indicating that something requires changes or modifications. It's a common way to express that improvements or adjustments are necessary, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

24%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "need some alteration" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something requires changes or modifications. It appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for diverse registers. Ludwig confirms its validity, suggesting that while there are more formal alternatives like "require modification", the phrase remains a practical and understandable choice. When using the expression, ensure that the context clearly specifies what needs adjustment to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require some modification

Emphasizes a formal necessity for changes.

need a few adjustments

Indicates minor corrections are necessary.

demand certain revisions

Implies a strong requirement for reviewing and changing aspects.

call for some refinement

Suggests improvement through careful adjustments.

benefit from some tweaking

Highlights potential gains from minor changes.

could use a bit of work

Informal expression indicating that further improvements are required.

would gain from improvements

Focuses on enhancements to achieve better quality.

are in need of fixes

Points out existing problems that require immediate solutions.

necessitate certain amendments

Highlights the imperative for formal alterations.

might require adjustments

Indicates a possibility for future corrections.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "need some alteration"?

The phrase "need some alteration" is appropriate when indicating that something requires changes or modifications to improve its quality or functionality. It's suitable for situations where minor to moderate adjustments are necessary.

What are some alternatives to "need some alteration"?

You can use alternatives like "require some modification", "need a few adjustments", or "benefit from some tweaking" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "need some alteration" grammatically correct?

Yes, "need some alteration" is grammatically correct. The verb "need" is properly used with the noun phrase "some alteration". Ludwig confirms this usage is valid and common.

How does the formality of "need some alteration" compare to its alternatives?

"Need some alteration" is generally considered neutral in formality. Alternatives like "require some modification" or "necessitate certain amendments" are more formal, while phrases like "could use a bit of work" are more informal.