need to be changed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "need to be changed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires modification or alteration. Example: "The outdated policies in our handbook need to be changed to reflect current practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It does need to be changed.

The Economist

They need to be changed, regularly.

The New York Times

Much, indeed, will need to be changed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The laws need to be changed.

The Guardian

"This doesn't need to be changed.

The Guardian

Therefore, manufacturing processes constantly need to be changed.

Procedia CIRP

C. When does a fund custodian need to be changed?

Yale University

All of the lengths need to be changed.

Yale University

The existing open-skies deals need to be changed.

The Economist

Diapers need to be changed, babies need to be fed".

The New York Times - Sports

These policies are problematic and need to be changed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "need to be changed" to convey a sense of requirement or necessity for modification in a clear and direct manner.

Common error

Avoid using "need to be changed" without specifying what exactly needs to be altered. Be specific to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Something needs to be changed," specify "The outdated policies "need to be revised"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to be changed" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is required to undergo modification. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "need to be changed" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the necessity of modification or alteration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While alternatives like "requires modification" or "must be revised" exist, the phrase maintains a neutral register and effectively communicates the need for something to undergo changes. To ensure clarity, specify what needs changing to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Requires modification

Focuses on the necessity of modifying something without specifying the agent of change.

Needs adjustment

Emphasizes a slight alteration to improve functionality or correctness.

Should be altered

Suggests a recommendation for change, implying it's a good idea to modify something.

Must be revised

Highlights the urgency and importance of revising something, often due to errors or updates.

Demands revision

Stresses that something necessitates immediate and thorough revision.

Calls for modification

Indicates that a situation or thing prompts a need for modification.

Requires alteration

Similar to "requires modification" but uses a different synonym for change.

Is in need of transformation

Implies a more significant or comprehensive change is necessary.

Is subject to change

Indicates that something is likely to be changed, usually based on external factors.

Warrants adjustment

Suggests that an adjustment is justified or deserved based on certain conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "need to be changed" in a sentence?

Use "need to be changed" to indicate that something requires modification or alteration. For example: "The existing regulations "need to be revised" to reflect current conditions".

What are some alternatives to "need to be changed"?

You can use alternatives such as "requires modification", "must be revised", or "should be altered", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "need to be changed" or "needs to be changed"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "need to be changed" with plural subjects (e.g., "The rules need to be changed"). Use "needs to be changed" with singular subjects (e.g., "The policy needs to be changed").

When should I use "need to be changed" instead of "should be changed"?

"Need to be changed" implies a stronger necessity or requirement than "should be changed". Use "need to be changed" when the change is essential or critical, while "should be changed" suggests a recommendation or suggestion.