needs adjustment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs adjustment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires modification or improvement. Example: "The project proposal is well-structured, but it needs adjustment to meet the client's requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But the ventilation system needs adjustment.

The New York Times

That risks giving too much weight to regional concerns, and not enough to the centre.Europe's political leaders have already spotted that the system needs adjustment.

The Economist

The effort includes judges and other legal experts who say they have seen the problem often enough to persuade them that the system needs adjustment.

The New York Times

While changes in the proxy data generally approximate shifts in the δ18O record, a large discrepancy occurs in the timing of the MIS 10 MIS 11 transition, suggesting that the Lake E age model needs adjustment.

Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology

That's smack-dab between the 4% predicted by theories of how atomic nuclei were generated in the early universe and the 6% implied by measurements of cosmic background radiation, so it is too early to try to use the 2dF data to resolve which theory needs adjustment.

Science Magazine

Upon leaving a cinema after experiencing an enjoyable film, it's rather disconcerting to hear a tiny nagging voice in your head insisting that your feel-good attitude needs adjustment.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Who needs ESPN, anyway?

The New Yorker

Who needs Standard & Poor's?

The Guardian - Opinion

It needs Major League Baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

But the sport needs American stars.

The New York Times - Sports

The proposal needs Parliament approval.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs adjustment", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specifically requires modification. Be direct in stating the area or aspect needing change.

Common error

Avoid using "needs adjustment" without specifying what aspect requires modification. For example, instead of saying "The plan needs adjustment", specify "The project timeline needs adjustment to accommodate unforeseen delays."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs adjustment" functions as a predicate, indicating that a subject requires modification. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to express the necessity for changes to something. The examples in the provided search data showcase this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "needs adjustment" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something requires modification or improvement. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and wiki sources. While versatile, it's best practice to specify what exactly "needs adjustment" to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "requires modification" or "needs fine-tuning" depending on the context. Remember to provide clear context when using the phrase and specify the subject that requires modification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Requires modification

Focuses on the act of changing something.

Demands tweaking

Suggests a fine-tuning is necessary.

Needs fine-tuning

Emphasizes the need for careful and precise adjustment.

Requires calibration

Implies a need for precise measurement and correction.

Calls for revision

Indicates a need for a more thorough review and alteration.

Requires refinement

Suggests the need for improvement in quality or precision.

Demands correction

Highlights the presence of errors that need fixing.

Should be amended

Implies a formal change or addition is necessary.

Warrants alteration

Suggests a change is justified or necessary.

Is subject to change

Indicates a higher probability of future adjustments.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs adjustment" to indicate that something requires modification or improvement. For example, "The budget proposal "needs adjustment" to align with the company's financial goals."

What are some alternatives to "needs adjustment"?

Alternatives include "requires modification", "needs fine-tuning", or "demands correction", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "needs adjustment" or "requires adjustment"?

Both "needs adjustment" and "requires adjustment" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference, although "needs" might be slightly more informal than "requires".

What does it mean when something "needs adjustment"?

It means that something is not quite right and "requires modification", whether that be in its settings, design, or approach. It implies a need for improvement to achieve a desired outcome.