needs addressing

USAGE SUMMARY

"needs addressing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to indicate that an issue or problem is important and requires attention or discussion. For example: The environmental threat posed by our reliance on fossil fuels needs addressing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Needs addressing".

The New York Times

The issue needs addressing.

The New York Times

It needs addressing in a positive way".

Independent

This is a problem that needs addressing.

The New Yorker

That needs addressing as well.

The Guardian

Still, I guess this needs addressing.

The New York Times

"There's a disconnect that needs addressing".

The New York Times - Science

"There is a widespread problem here that needs addressing.

The Guardian - Money

We have an enormous China deficit that urgently needs addressing.

The Guardian

"You're just figuring out what needs addressing at that moment.

The New York Times - Tech

Second, the size, complexity and management of the giant TSGN franchise needs addressing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs addressing", clearly identify the specific issue that requires attention. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "needs addressing" without specifying what exactly requires attention. For example, instead of saying "The situation needs addressing", specify: "The lack of funding for education needs addressing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs addressing" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that something requires attention or action. It highlights a problem or issue that must be dealt with. Ludwig examples show its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs addressing" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to convey that an issue or problem requires attention and action. According to Ludwig, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, indicating its suitability for formal and professional communication. While alternatives such as "requires attention" or "demands action" may be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the issue that "needs addressing". Avoiding vagueness will strengthen your writing and enhance understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires attention

This alternative is a more direct and concise way of saying something needs to be addressed.

demands action

This alternative conveys a sense of urgency and the necessity for immediate action.

warrants consideration

This alternative suggests the issue deserves careful thought and evaluation.

should be resolved

This alternative focuses on the need to find a solution to a problem.

calls for a solution

This alternative emphasizes that a problem exists and a solution is required.

is in need of repair

This alternative suggests that something is broken and needs fixing.

begs resolution

This alternative implies an urgent need for a solution to a pressing issue.

must be dealt with

This alternative is a more forceful way of saying something needs to be handled.

cannot be ignored

This alternative highlights the importance of addressing an issue that cannot be overlooked.

presents a challenge

This alternative reframes the situation as a problem or hurdle to overcome.

FAQs

How to use "needs addressing" in a sentence?

The phrase "needs addressing" is used to indicate that a problem or issue requires attention. For example, "The issue of climate change "needs addressing" urgently."

What can I say instead of "needs addressing"?

You can use alternatives like "requires attention", "demands action", or "warrants consideration" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "needs addressing" or "need addressing"?

"Needs addressing" is the correct and more commonly used form. "Need addressing" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts.

What's the difference between "needs addressing" and "requires addressing"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "requires addressing" might be perceived as slightly more formal than ""needs addressing"". The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.