needs to be repaired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be repaired" 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 car has been making strange noises and needs to be repaired before it can be driven safely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ceiling, plumbing, heating, electricity — everything needs to be repaired or replaced.

The New York Times

How can I tell if my fireplace is safe or needs to be repaired?

The New York Times - Magazine

This may leave a bleeding area that needs to be repaired.

The Guardian

If so, perhaps the patent system not only needs to be repaired, but shrunk?

The Economist

The demands in the field seldom relent; almost daily, a stripper well here needs to be repaired.

The New York Times

"This is a fundamentally broken agency," Hutt told me earlier this year, "and it needs to be repaired".

The New York Times - Magazine

Now it's political trust that needs to be repaired, after it was shredded by spin and Iraq.

The Guardian - Opinion

A recent Icann report acknowledged that the system to identify Web site owners "is broken and needs to be repaired".

The New York Times

Listen, the roof needs to be repaired, there isn't HVAC in all of the galleries, the freight elevators need to be replaced.

The New Yorker

"It's a fairly detailed list of things that needs to be repaired, but it's still less involved than disassembly, certainly," Admiral Quigley said.

The New York Times

Instead of seeing a crack on your wall as a problem that needs to be repaired, consider it an opportunity for decoration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "needs to be repaired", ensure the context clearly identifies what requires fixing. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice, such as in "needs to be repaired", can make your writing sound less direct. Consider active voice alternatives if appropriate, such as "requires repair" or "demands fixing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be repaired" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something requires restoration or fixing. It highlights the necessity of an action being performed on a specific object or system. As Ludwig AI points out, it's widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

33%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs to be repaired" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something requires fixing or restoration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific publications, with a neutral tone suitable for various settings. While effective, writers should be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider more direct alternatives when appropriate. The phrase's authoritative sources and consistent usage reinforce its reliability in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must be fixed

Uses "fixed" instead of "repaired", offering a more direct and simpler way to convey the need for repair.

is in need of repair

Changes the structure to emphasize the state of disrepair rather than the action needed.

requires mending

Replaces "repaired" with "mending", implying a similar act of fixing but often suggesting smaller-scale repairs.

has to be mended

A more informal way of saying "must be mended", indicating necessity.

demands immediate restoration

Emphasizes urgency with "immediate" and uses "restoration" to suggest a return to a previous, better condition.

should be overhauled

Indicates that a thorough examination and repair process is necessary, often for machinery or systems.

is due for an overhaul

Similar to "should be overhauled" but suggests that the need for repair is expected or scheduled.

calls for renovation

Suggests a more extensive process than simple repair, implying significant upgrades or changes.

is crying out for maintenance

Uses a metaphorical expression to highlight the urgent need for upkeep and repair.

warrants reconstruction

Implies that the damage is significant enough to require rebuilding or reassembling the item.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "needs to be repaired" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "requires maintenance", "is in need of restoration", or "necessitates repair". These options often suit professional or academic contexts.

What's a more direct way to say "needs to be repaired"?

A more direct alternative is "must be fixed" or "requires fixing". These options remove the passive voice, making the statement more assertive.

Is it always necessary to include "to be" when something "needs repaired"?

Yes, the standard grammatical form is "needs to be repaired". Omitting "to be" is generally considered incorrect in formal writing. However, in some dialects, you might hear "needs repaired", but it's best to avoid this in professional writing.

Which is correct, "needs to be repaired" or "needs repairing"?

Both phrases can be correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Needs to be repaired" uses the passive voice and focuses on the object needing attention. "Needs repairing" is more active and focuses on the act of repairing. The best choice depends on the specific context.