needed to fix

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needed to fix" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that requires repair or correction. Example: "The car had several issues that needed to fix before it could be driven safely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I needed to fix it.

The New York Times - Sports

I needed to fix this iMac.

The New York Times - Magazine

He needed to fix something else.

The New York Times - Food

I wanted to tell them what they needed to fix.

The New York Times - Food

"It was broke and we needed to fix it.

The New York Times

Broader collaboration is needed to fix the data deficits that are only expected to get worse.

Cornell University

It is, most likely, one of the many tools needed to fix our carbon problem.

The New Yorker

Politicians with a spine and a majority are needed to fix it.

The New York Times

With JBoss Cache, we had everything we needed to fix the bug ourselves.

The Guardian

Pin notices by the printer and photocopier outlining the steps needed to fix most problems.

The Guardian - Money

We spent three days with him, fixing what we needed to fix.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While "needed to fix" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "required repairing" or "demanded rectification".

Common error

While "needed to fix" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal documents. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needed to fix" functions as a verb phrase indicating a requirement or necessity to repair or correct something. As Ludwig confirms, it's a common construction. For instance, "I "needed to fix" this iMac" exemplifies its use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needed to fix" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the requirement for repair or correction. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives when appropriate. Remember to clearly indicate what requires fixing and avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Common synonyms include "required fixing" and "had to repair". The phrase is frequently found in news and media, as well as science-related content, making it a broadly applicable expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

required fixing

Replaces "needed" with "required", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

had to repair

Substitutes "needed to fix" with "had to repair", focusing on the action of repairing something.

required to be repaired

More formal than "needed to fix", adding slight emphasis on the repairing process.

necessary to correct

Replaces "fix" with "correct", useful when dealing with mistakes or inaccuracies.

essential to resolve

Emphasizes the importance of resolving an issue, suitable for problems that must be solved.

vital to mend

Suggests urgency and the importance of repairing something that is broken or damaged.

needed mending

A more concise alternative, particularly when referring to physical repairs or fixes.

required resolution

Focuses on finding a solution or resolving a problem.

demanded rectification

A formal alternative that stresses the need for something to be made right or rectified.

it was imperative to fix

Highlights the critical importance of fixing something, adding a sense of urgency.

FAQs

How can I use "needed to fix" in a sentence?

You can use "needed to fix" to indicate something requiring repair or correction. For example, "The car "needed to fix" its brakes before it could be driven safely".

What are some alternatives to "needed to fix"?

Alternatives include "required fixing", "had to repair", or "required to be repaired" depending on the context and desired formality.

Is "needed to fix" grammatically correct?

Yes, "needed to fix" is grammatically correct, functioning as an infinitive phrase indicating necessity and action. It's a common and accepted construction in English.

When should I use more formal alternatives to "needed to fix"?

In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "required resolution" or "demanded rectification" to maintain a higher level of sophistication and professionalism.