needs to be reformed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be reformed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that requires change or improvement, such as a system, policy, or practice. Example: "The education system needs to be reformed to better serve the needs of students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It needs to be reformed.

The Economist

"It needs to be reformed and modernized".

The New York Times

This agency needs to be reformed".

The New York Times

America's export control system needs to be reformed.

The New York Times

Do you think it needs to be reformed?

The New York Times

The BBC Trust model needs to be reformed.

The Guardian

AMERICA'S dysfunctional health care financing system needs to be reformed.

The New York Times

Mayoral control, which I ardently supported, needs to be reformed.

The New York Times

The constitution needs to be reformed and meet international democratic standards".

The New York Times

"I think it's a corporate sellout and it needs to be reformed," he said.

The New York Times

The UK is far from alone in  believing that the EU needs to be reformed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be reformed", clearly specify what aspect requires reform and why. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be reformed" without providing specific examples or justifications. Vague statements weaken your argument and leave room for misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be reformed" functions as a predicate adjective phrase in the passive voice. It indicates that a subject requires changes to improve its current state. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs to be reformed" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression that indicates a requirement for significant change or improvement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. The phrase commonly appears in neutral contexts such as news and media, but also has applications across a variety of fields including science and business. While alternatives like "requires reformation" and "should be improved" exist, "needs to be reformed" carries a specific connotation of necessary, fundamental change. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are essential to effectively communicate the desired changes and their rationale.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires reformation

Uses a noun form of "reform" and a more formal verb.

is in need of revision

Replaces "reform" with "revision", suggesting a less drastic change.

calls for restructuring

Emphasizes a change in structure rather than overall reform.

demands an overhaul

Suggests a more complete and thorough change than "reform".

warrants transformation

Implies a deeper, more fundamental change.

should be improved

Offers a more general and less specific suggestion of change.

must be modernized

Focuses specifically on bringing something up to date.

would benefit from adjustments

Suggests smaller, less significant changes.

is ripe for a makeover

Uses a more informal and colloquial term for change.

begs for innovation

Highlights the need for new ideas and approaches.

FAQs

How can I use "needs to be reformed" in a sentence?

Use "needs to be reformed" to express that a system, process, or institution requires significant changes for improvement. For instance, "The healthcare system "needs to be reformed" to provide better access to care".

What are some alternatives to "needs to be reformed"?

You can use alternatives like "requires reformation", "is in need of revision", or "calls for restructuring" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. /s/requires+reformation, /s/is+in+need+of+revision, /s/calls+for+restructuring.

Is it better to say "needs reforming" or "needs to be reformed"?

While both are grammatically correct, "needs to be reformed" is generally considered more formal and complete. "Needs reforming" is a more concise option but might sound less authoritative in some contexts.

What's the difference between "needs to be reformed" and "should be improved"?

"Needs to be reformed" implies a more fundamental and significant change is required, whereas "should be improved" suggests that smaller, incremental changes would suffice. "Should be improved" indicates a desire for enhancement, not necessarily a correction of flaws.