needs fixing

USAGE SUMMARY

"needs fixing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to something that must be repaired or altered in order to make it better. For example, "This engine needs fixing before it can be used again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Darfur needs fixing.

The Economist

Daybreak needs fixing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Fix what needs fixing.

The New York Times

"Me grandson needs fixing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It needs fixing.

The Guardian

Now needs fixing, now.

The New Yorker

Nonetheless, Social Security needs fixing.

The Economist

Rachel fixes what needs fixing.

The New York Times

Jackson: "Entertainment desperately needs fixing.

The Guardian

Vincent Cable Politics needs fixing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its politicians know what needs fixing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs fixing", ensure the context clearly identifies what requires repair or adjustment to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The software needs fixing" is less informative than "The bug in the software needs fixing".

Common error

While "needs fixing" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "requires repair" or "demands correction" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs fixing" functions as a predicative adjective, indicating that something is in a state requiring repair or adjustment. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show its utility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs fixing" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something requires repair or adjustment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media. While its neutral register makes it suitable for many situations, more formal alternatives like "requires repair" or "demands correction" may be preferred in professional or academic settings. Remember to specify what exactly "needs fixing" to avoid ambiguity, and be mindful of the tone you wish to convey. With these tips, you can confidently use "needs fixing" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires repair

Emphasizes the necessity of mending or restoring something to a functional state.

demands correction

Focuses on rectifying errors or inaccuracies.

calls for adjustment

Highlights the need for fine-tuning or modification.

is in need of mending

Expresses the condition of something needing to be repaired or patched up.

warrants improvement

Indicates that something deserves to be made better or enhanced.

should be rectified

Stresses the importance of correcting or setting right a situation.

must be amended

Implies a formal change or alteration is necessary.

could use some work

Suggests that something would benefit from additional effort or refinement.

is far from perfect

Acknowledges that something is not ideal and requires further attention.

has room for improvement

Indicates that there is potential for something to be better than it currently is.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs fixing" to indicate that something requires repair or adjustment. For example, "This car "needs fixing" before we can drive it", or "The budget "needs fixing" to align with our financial goals".

What are some alternatives to "needs fixing"?

Alternatives to "needs fixing" include "requires repair", "demands correction", or "warrants improvement" depending on the context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is it better to say "needs to be fixed" or "needs fixing"?

Both "needs to be fixed" and "needs fixing" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. "Needs fixing" is slightly more concise and can sound more informal, while "needs to be fixed" is more explicit and may be preferred in formal writing.

Which situations are most suitable for using "needs fixing"?

"Needs fixing" is suitable for a wide range of situations, from everyday conversations about broken items to discussions about systemic issues. However, consider the formality of the context and choose a more appropriate alternative if necessary.