needs feeding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs feeding" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to someone or something that requires food or nourishment. An example is: "The baby needs feeding before bedtime." Alternative expressions include "needs to be fed" and "requires feeding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The beast needs feeding".

The Economist

Ignorance and fanaticism is ever busy and needs feeding.

The New Yorker

Even on its hols, the brain needs feeding.

The Guardian - Books

It's a beast that needs feeding, and the bigger it gets, the hungrier it gets.

Independent

A teenage vampire needs feeding in the creepy Cuddles at the Barbican in Plymouth as part of the Plymouth fringe.

The Guardian

"My mother would be [upstairs] with the baby and she would call down saying, 'Sheila needs feeding'".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

b.*The soul needs fed by creative, multi-dimensional teaching.

Yale University

b.*Your brain needs fed to work out.

Yale University

Allen, who couldn't trust his family to meet his needs, fed himself.

The New Yorker

Archuletta does not dispute that he needs fed money to "build it".

Huffington Post

Depending on your puppy's breed and needs, feed her a few times a day.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs feeding" to describe a system or abstract concept, consider the connotations carefully. It often implies a constant or ongoing requirement, so ensure this aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "needs feeding" when a more nuanced term is appropriate. While acceptable in many contexts, it can sometimes sound overly simplistic or even negative if used inappropriately. Consider alternatives like "requires maintenance" or "benefits from investment" for less literal scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs feeding" primarily functions as a present participle phrase acting as an adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a requirement for sustenance or nourishment. Ludwig AI supports this function, showing its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs feeding" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a requirement for sustenance or nourishment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, carrying a neutral tone suitable for various situations. While versatile, consider nuances when describing abstract concepts and prefer more formal alternatives like "requires sustenance" in professional settings. Understanding these subtle distinctions will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires nourishment

Focuses on the necessity of providing essential nutrients.

must be fed

Emphasizes the obligation or necessity of the action.

is hungry

Highlights the state of hunger and the need to alleviate it.

demands sustenance

Implies a strong need or demand for food or nutrition.

requires sustenance

Similar to requires nourishment but more broadly applicable.

needs to be nourished

Passively emphasizes the need for providing nutrients.

should be fed

Suggests a recommendation or advisory to provide food.

is in need of food

Explicitly states the lack of food and the subsequent need.

is craving sustenance

Emphasizes a strong desire or craving for nourishment.

must have nutrients

Highlights the critical requirement for essential nutrients.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "The baby needs feeding"?

Alternatives include "The baby "must be fed"", "The baby "is hungry"", or "The baby "requires nourishment"".

Is it grammatically correct to say "needs feeding"?

Yes, "needs feeding" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It functions as a present participle phrase indicating a requirement.

What does it mean when someone says "the beast needs feeding"?

This idiom suggests that something, often a system or organization, requires continuous input or resources to function or survive. The term "beast" implies a large, demanding entity.

Are there more formal alternatives to "needs feeding"?

Yes, in formal contexts, consider using phrases like "requires sustenance" or "demands sustenance" instead of "needs feeding".