needs to be rewritten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be rewritten" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It can be used to describe a text or piece of work that is in need of revision, often due to errors, inconsistencies, or outdated language. For example, "This article needs to be rewritten so it is more clear and concise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

So you think the whole curriculum needs to be rewritten?

The New York Times

This code needs to be rewritten, the charity says.

The Guardian

The whole Python implementation needs to be rewritten to accommodate this.

The Guardian

And then the show needs to be rewritten somewhat for each venue.

The Guardian

As the power of the west wanes, so history needs to be rewritten.

The Guardian - Books

Not every aspect of every contract needs to be rewritten each year.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Illegible homeworks may need to be rewritten.

Princeton University

The story will need to be rewritten.

The New York Times

The Second Amendment does not need to be rewritten.

The New York Times

Curriculums will need to be rewritten and new assessments designed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The manual was hard to use and needed to be rewritten, auditors found.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that the passive voice construction can sometimes obscure responsibility. If appropriate, consider rephrasing to indicate who should do the rewriting.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something "needs to be rewritten" without explaining why. Providing specific reasons—such as inaccuracies, lack of clarity, or outdated information—helps guide the revision process effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be rewritten" functions as a passive construction indicating a requirement for substantial revision. It highlights that a text or piece of work is not adequate in its current state and necessitates significant changes to improve its quality or accuracy. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "needs to be rewritten" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for indicating that a piece of writing requires significant revision. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence across diverse sources like News & Media, Science, and Academia underscores its versatility. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it is important to provide specific reasons for the rewrite to guide the revision process effectively. Consider using active voice or alternative phrases like "requires revision" or "should be reworked" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires revision

Focuses on the necessity of revising to improve quality.

demands a rewrite

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of rewriting.

must be revised

Highlights the obligation to revise for accuracy or clarity.

should be reworked

Suggests a need for improvement through significant changes.

is due for an overhaul

Indicates a comprehensive transformation is necessary.

calls for a complete revision

Stresses the need for a thorough and extensive revision.

is in need of editing

Highlights the requirement for editing to enhance quality.

warrants modification

Suggests that changes are justified and necessary.

begs for a new draft

Implies the existing draft is inadequate and needs to be redone.

necessitates a fresh version

Underscores the need for a completely new version or iteration.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs to be rewritten" to indicate that a piece of writing requires significant revisions. For example, "The introduction to this report "needs to be rewritten" for clarity."

What are some alternatives to saying "needs to be rewritten"?

Alternatives include phrases like "requires revision", "must be revised", or "should be reworked", depending on the specific context and the extent of the necessary changes.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when saying something needs revision?

While "needs to be rewritten" is in the passive voice, using the active voice (e.g., "The author needs to rewrite...") can sometimes be more direct and clarify responsibility for the revision.

When is it appropriate to say something "needs to be rewritten" rather than simply edited?

Use "needs to be rewritten" when the issues are more substantial than minor corrections. This phrase suggests the fundamental structure, content, or approach "requires a significant overhaul" rather than just editing.