needs to be updated

USAGE SUMMARY

"needs to be updated" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing an item or situation that is not current or outdated. For example, "This software needs to be updated to keep up with the latest industry standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It constantly needs to be updated".

The New York Times

It urgently needs to be updated.

The Guardian

"But I think the idea of heroism needs to be updated".

The New Yorker

Government itself, he said, needs to be updated for the information age.

The New York Times

That's a shame -- because the legislation needs to be updated now.

The New York Times

But, if the software needs to be updated, it can be updated.

The Guardian

On the page for that event, change the time, location and any other information that needs to be updated.

The New York Times - Tech

"Therefore, to be more meaningful for financial planning, any forecast needs to be updated at regular intervals," says Ms Altmann.

Independent

But he agrees that the more pressing concern is the legal picture, which "badly needs to be updated".

The Guardian - Business

"The program needs to be updated to reflect today's economy and to utilize technological and other advances".

The New York Times

It can install updates for you, and will tell you if a program needs to be updated manually.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "needs to be updated" when indicating that information, systems, or processes are outdated and require current information or methods.

Common error

While "needs to be updated" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider using active voice for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "The software needs to be updated", try "Update the software."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be updated" functions as a passive construction indicating a requirement for revision or modernization. It highlights that a subject is in a state where it requires updating to meet current standards or information levels, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "needs to be updated" is a grammatically correct and very common passive verb phrase used to indicate that something requires revision or modernization. As Ludwig AI confirms, its communicative purpose is to inform and prompt action, and it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business settings. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it is important to be mindful of potential overuse of the passive voice and consider alternative constructions for more direct impact. Numerous examples showcase its broad applicability in diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Requires modernization

Focuses on the need to bring something up to current standards or technology.

Demands revision

Highlights the necessity of reviewing and correcting something.

Must be revised

Emphasizes the obligation for something to be reviewed and changed.

Calls for an update

Suggests the need for a current version or modification.

Warrants a refresh

Implies that something would benefit from being revitalized or renewed.

Should be amended

Indicates the desirability of making corrections or improvements.

Could be improved

Suggests that something has the potential to be made better.

Is in need of refurbishment

Specifies that something requires renovation or reconditioning.

Is due for an overhaul

Implies that something requires a thorough repair or renovation.

Would benefit from a facelift

Suggests that something would gain from cosmetic improvements or modernization.

FAQs

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

You can use "needs to be updated" to indicate that something is outdated and requires new information or revisions. For instance, "This report needs to be updated with the latest sales figures."

What can I say instead of "needs to be updated"?

You can use alternatives like "requires modernization", "demands revision", or "calls for an update" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "needed to be updated"?

Yes, "needed to be updated" is the past tense form of the phrase, indicating that something required updating at a previous time. For example, "The website needed to be updated last year."

What's the difference between "needs to be updated" and "needs updating"?

"Needs to be updated" is in the passive voice and implies that an external force should perform the update. "Needs updating" is more direct and can imply either self-updating or a general requirement for an update.