need to be modified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'need to be modified' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something needs change or improvement. For example: "This plan needs to be modified before it can be implemented."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As such, they still need to be modified.

The New York Times

Workflows will need to be modified and standardized.

Harvard Business Review

The rules need to be modified, but both were adopted for good reasons.

The New York Times

But Judge Patel said the appeals court order might need to be modified.

The New York Times

The regulations will almost certainly face legal challenges, and may need to be modified.

MIT Technology Review

Note: NIH proposals already in process as a Grants.gov application do not need to be modified.

University of California, Berkeley

This file may need to be modified to suit the environment and requirements.

Stanford University

Activities and assessments may need to be modified to better prepare students to meet the outcomes.

Yale University

Boilers not replaced by 2030 would need to be modified to meet the new regulations.

The New York Times

If the Medicaid laws need to be modified to let that happen, then Congress should do so quickly.

The New York Times

Still, not all polling places conform to accessibility rules and would need to be modified to serve as vaccination sites.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "need to be modified", ensure the context clearly indicates what requires modification and why. Providing specific reasons enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "need to be modified" without specifying what exactly needs modification. Unclear references can confuse the reader and diminish the sentence's impact. Always be explicit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "need to be modified" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating necessity. It expresses that an action (modification) is required for a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature. Examples show diverse contexts requiring changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "need to be modified" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates a requirement for change or adjustment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. While generally neutral to formal, the specific context dictates the precise level of formality. Remember to clearly specify what requires modification to avoid ambiguity and ensure effective communication. Understanding its function and purpose enhances clarity and impact in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

need to be altered

Focuses on the act of changing something, similar to modification but can imply a more significant change.

need to be adapted

Emphasizes adjusting something to fit new conditions or purposes.

require adjustment

Highlights the necessity for a change to achieve a desired outcome.

must be revised

Implies a formal review and alteration process.

should be amended

Suggests a formal correction or improvement, often in legal or official documents.

demand revision

Expresses a strong need for a review and alteration.

call for adaptation

Highlights the need to adjust to specific requirements or conditions.

necessitate changes

Indicates that certain changes are essential due to specific circumstances.

are subject to alteration

Implies that changes are possible and likely to occur.

undergo transformation

Suggests a more profound and fundamental change.

FAQs

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

Use "need to be modified" to indicate that something requires changes or adjustments. For example: "The report "need to be modified" before submission".

What's a formal alternative to "need to be modified"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "require adjustment" or "must be revised" as alternatives to "need to be modified".

Which is correct: "need to be modified" or "needs to be modified"?

Both are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Need to be modified" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "The plans need to be modified"), while "needs to be modified" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "The plan needs to be modified").

What's the difference between "need to be modified" and "need to be altered"?

While both phrases indicate a requirement for change, "need to be altered" may imply a more significant or fundamental change than "need to be modified".