needs repair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs repair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is damaged or not functioning properly and requires fixing. Example: "The old bridge has been closed to traffic because it needs repair before it can be reopened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The party certainly knows it needs repair.

The New York Times

America's criminal justice system needs repair.

The New York Times

If it needs repair, I'll fix it".

The New Yorker

About 500 miles of electrical cable has been fixed, but much more needs repair.

The New York Times

Falls Village has a public pool, built to resemble a pond, which constantly needs repair.

The New York Times - Travel

CONS: The window in the living room is small and the terrace railing needs repair.

The New York Times

The house needs repair, the children schooling, and the car is wheezing.

The New York Times - Arts

When the Smart House needs repair, you have to call in the experts.

The New York Times - Magazine

CONS: A wobbly railing on the second floor balcony needs repair.

The New York Times

Much of the building work has been shoddy, and already needs repair.

The Economist

"Equipment needs repair, buildings need repair and we are doing the best we can".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the state of an object or system, be specific about what aspect "needs repair". For example, instead of "the system needs repair", say "the software system needs bug fixes".

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions when using "needs repair". Instead of "repairs are needed", use the active voice: "the mechanic needs to repair the engine".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs repair" functions as a verb phrase indicating a requirement or necessity for something to be fixed or restored to a functional state. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs repair" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates something requires fixing or restoration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various sources, including news media and scientific publications. While maintaining a neutral tone, the phrase is suitable for numerous contexts and can be enhanced by specifying what aspect requires mending. Alternatives like "requires fixing" or "is in need of maintenance" can provide nuanced ways to express the same idea. Recognizing common errors, such as overuse of the passive voice, can further refine your writing and ensure clarity when using the phrase "needs repair".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires fixing

Uses a more direct and active verb, focusing on the act of fixing.

is broken and requires attention

Combines the idea of being non-functional with the need for fixing.

is in need of maintenance

Emphasizes the need for upkeep to prevent further damage.

must be restored

Focuses on returning something to its original condition.

requires refurbishment

Specifically indicates that something needs to be renovated or updated.

demands immediate attention

Highlights the urgency of the situation.

calls for remediation

Suggests a more formal or technical approach to resolving the issue.

has to be mended

Implies a process of careful and delicate repair.

is falling apart

Emphasizes the deteriorated state of something.

could use some work

Suggests a less urgent and more general need for improvement.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs repair" to indicate that something is damaged or not functioning properly. For example, "The bridge is closed because it "needs repair" after the storm".

What is a formal alternative to "needs repair"?

A more formal alternative is "requires maintenance" or "is in need of remediation". For instance, "The equipment "requires maintenance" to ensure optimal performance".

What's the difference between "needs repair" and "needs replacement"?

"Needs repair" implies that something can be fixed, while "needs replacement" suggests that the damage is beyond repair and a new item is necessary. If the device "needs repair", a technician can fix it; if it needs replacement, you must buy a new one.

What can I say instead of "needs repair" to emphasize urgency?

To emphasize urgency, you can use phrases like "demands immediate attention" or "urgently "needs servicing"". For example, "The infrastructure "demands immediate attention" to prevent further damage".