needs revising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs revising" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something, such as a document or piece of writing, requires changes or improvements. Example: "The report is well-structured, but it needs revising to enhance clarity and coherence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

D'Antoni's style needs revising.

The New York Times - Sports

If the papal commission cannot accommodate that, its brief needs revising.

The Guardian - Opinion

Which means my theory of how best to get science into literature needs revising.

The New York Times - Books

Virtually everyone agrees today that such a goal is unreachable and that No Child needs revising.

The New York Times

He claims that the multinationals accept that the law needs revising.

The Economist

If Van Dyck is seen as the ultimate Cavalier portraitist, then perhaps that is a view that needs revising.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The current UN drugs conventions badly need revising.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some of those descriptions need revising if they are to be applied to Louis-Dreyfus now.

The Guardian - Film

"We know there are tens if not hundreds of items on the schedule that need revising.

The Guardian

The children's minister, Tim Loughton, claimed the measure might need revising just hours after Osborne had unveiled it.

The Guardian

But it wasn't until the production's first preview, on May 16, that he discovered other scenes needed revising too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs revising", ensure that the context clearly indicates what aspect requires modification. Be specific to guide the revision process effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "needs revising" without specifying why revision is necessary. For example, instead of saying "the draft needs revising", specify "the draft needs revising to improve clarity and coherence."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs revising" functions as a declarative statement indicating that something requires modification or improvement. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in contexts where documents, theories, or concepts are being evaluated for their accuracy, clarity, or effectiveness. The phrase asserts a requirement for further work to be done.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs revising" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something requires changes or improvements. As highlighted by Ludwig AI examples, it appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting its versatility across different registers. The phrase is straightforward and clear, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "needs revising", ensure you specify what requires revision to guide the process effectively. Alternatives such as "requires editing" or "needs improvement" can be used to add nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires editing

Emphasizes the need for correction and refinement in writing or other creative work.

requires modification

Highlights the need for alterations or adjustments to improve functionality or suitability.

needs amendment

Specifically suggests the necessity of formal corrections or additions to a document or proposal.

needs improvement

Indicates a general requirement for enhancement in quality or performance.

requires adjustment

Suggests the need for fine-tuning or calibration to achieve optimal results.

needs updating

Focuses on the need to bring something current or relevant by adding new information or features.

requires refinement

Emphasizes the need for subtle improvements to enhance precision or clarity.

needs correction

Points to the necessity of fixing errors or inaccuracies.

requires rework

Suggests that something needs to be redone or significantly altered.

needs restructuring

Implies a need to reorganize or rearrange the fundamental structure of something.

FAQs

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

Use "needs revising" to indicate that something requires changes or improvements. For instance, "This document needs revising before submission."

What are some alternatives to "needs revising"?

You can use alternatives like "requires editing", "needs improvement", or "requires modification" depending on the context.

Is "needs revising" formal or informal?

"Needs revising" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, consider using "requires revision" or a more specific phrase.

How does "needs revising" differ from "needs review"?

"Needs revising" implies that changes are necessary, while "needs review" suggests that something should be examined for potential issues. Revision involves making changes, while review involves assessment.