needs adjusting

USAGE SUMMARY

'needs adjusting' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something needs to be changed or modified in order to achieve a desired goal or outcome. For example, "The temperature of the oven needs adjusting before this cake can be baked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

When the propensity needs adjusting, an accurate propensity adjustment function (paf) is essential for obtaining the proper correction of the propensity.

BMC Systems Biology

The present system aggravates it, so it needs adjusting in some way.

The New York Times - Sports

Our vision of these long-extinct people needs adjusting, they argued.

The Guardian

Less than a month after the presidential election each of those views needs adjusting.

The Economist

The UN's special representative, Jan Pronk, admits that the peace agreement signed in May needs adjusting.

The Economist

In a musical you look for someone who can best play the role and if the music needs adjusting that will be done.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

If not, the neck needs adjusted.

WikiHow

If the quality does not match your needs, adjust your settings and rescan the document.

WikiHow

THE woks needed adjusting.

The New York Times - Food

It's not bad — it will just need adjusting".

The New Yorker

Our view of postmodern fiction might also need adjusting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs adjusting", ensure the context clearly indicates what requires modification. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "needs adjusting" without specifying what exactly needs to be adjusted. For example, instead of saying "the plan needs adjusting", specify "the budget allocation in the plan needs adjusting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs adjusting" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a requirement for modification or correction. According to Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English. Examples show its use across diverse topics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

30%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs adjusting" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to express that something requires modification. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's prevalent in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, indicating a broad applicability. When using "needs adjusting", clarity is key; specify what requires modification to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "requires modification" or "could use some tweaking" can provide nuanced variations. Remember that while both "needs adjusting" and "needs to be adjusted" are correct, the former is more concise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires modification

Emphasizes a formal necessity for change.

could use some tweaking

Suggests minor adjustments are sufficient.

demands alteration

Highlights a strong need for change.

should be revised

Indicates a need for review and potential changes.

warrants refinement

Implies a need for improvement to achieve a higher quality.

calls for calibration

Specifically suggests a need for precise measurement and correction.

is in need of correction

States directly that something is wrong and must be fixed.

needs to be amended

Suggests a formal change or addition is necessary.

requires fine-tuning

Similar to tweaking but implies more precision.

should be updated

Implies that the item is outdated and requires a newer version or modification.

FAQs

How can I use "needs adjusting" in a sentence?

Use "needs adjusting" to indicate that something requires modification. For instance, "The thermostat "needs adjusting" to maintain a comfortable temperature".

What are some alternatives to saying "needs adjusting"?

You can use phrases like "requires modification", "could use some tweaking", or "demands alteration" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "needs adjusting" or "needs to be adjusted"?

Both "needs adjusting" and "needs to be adjusted" are grammatically correct, but "needs adjusting" is often more concise and direct. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

What's the difference between "needs adjusting" and "needs improvement"?

"Needs adjusting" implies a fine-tuning or modification of something already in place, while "needs improvement" suggests a broader need for enhancement or enhancement.