needed to be modified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needed to be modified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires changes or adjustments. Example: "The document was outdated and needed to be modified to reflect the latest information."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

"Nature turned out to be smarter than our equations, which needed to be modified," says Schechtman.

MIT Technology Review

As early as that 2012-13 someobserversobservers wondered whether Klopp's all-or-nothing approach needed to be modified.

The Guardian - Sport

JPMorgan supported parts of the legislation, but later said that some of it needed to be modified.

The New York Times

Marsh credits Woosnam and Toye for recognising that the game needed to be modified in order to appeal to US audiences.

The Guardian - Sport

This solenoid and hinge needed to be modified for the Circuit Scribe because of the difference in weight and the rust that built up on the hinge itself.

Cornell University

Parent Jan Speakman said she considered it "a shame" that the F policy had to be fully retracted, when it probably only needed to be modified.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 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

What needs to be modified next are the driving habits of many sport utility vehicle owners.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "needed to be modified", ensure the context clearly indicates what required modification and why. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "needed to be modified" without specifying what exactly needed the modification. Instead of saying "The system needed to be modified", be specific: "The system's user interface needed to be modified to improve accessibility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needed to be modified" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something was in a state requiring changes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, and provides numerous examples of its usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

36%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needed to be modified" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that indicates the requirement for changes or adjustments. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears most often in scientific, news, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify what required modification to maintain clarity. Alternative phrases like ""required adjustment"" or ""had to be altered"" can be used for stylistic variation. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively communicate the need for change in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needed adjustment

A simpler, more direct way to express the need for changes, without emphasizing the passive voice. It is suitable for informal and general contexts.

required adjustment

Emphasizes the necessity of making changes to fit a specific purpose or standard. Replaces the passive voice construction with a more concise form.

had to be altered

Focuses on the action of changing something, highlighting the obligation to make alterations. It is a more direct way of expressing the need for modification.

required revision

Highlights the need for a thorough review and correction process, often used in academic or professional contexts. It suggests a more formal and structured approach to modification.

had to be adapted

Implies a change to suit new conditions or a different purpose, emphasizing flexibility and responsiveness. It is suitable when adjusting something to fit a new context.

demanded changes

Stresses the urgency and importance of making alterations, often due to specific requirements or problems. It is a stronger way of indicating the need for modification.

called for amendment

Suggests a formal proposal for changes, typically in legal or official documents. It emphasizes the need for improvement or correction in a structured manner.

warranted adjustment

Indicates that the situation justified making changes, emphasizing the reasonableness and necessity of the modification. It suggests that the changes were appropriate given the circumstances.

required tailoring

Implies a precise and specific adjustment to meet individual needs or requirements. It is suitable when customizing something to fit unique circumstances.

necessitated refinement

Highlights the need for improvement and increased precision, often in technical or scientific contexts. It suggests a focus on enhancing the quality and accuracy of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "needed to be modified" to indicate that something required changes or adjustments. For example, "The initial plan "needed to be modified" based on the new data".

What are some alternatives to "needed to be modified"?

Alternatives include "required adjustment", "had to be altered", or "required revision" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when saying something "needed to be modified"?

While "needed to be modified" is passive, it's often suitable when the actor is unknown or unimportant. If you want to emphasize the actor, use an active construction: "We needed to modify the document."

What's the difference between "needed to be modified" and "needed adjustment"?

"Needed to be modified" is a passive construction, while "needed adjustment" is more direct. The passive form emphasizes the object being changed, whereas the active form highlights the requirement for change.