needs to update

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to update" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires an update or revision, often in the context of software, information, or processes. Example: "The software needs to update to the latest version to fix the bugs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Governor Cuomo told New Yorkers that the city needs to update its systems.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is no question that the United States needs to update the law for electronic privacy.

The New York Times

If this is Trump's vision for women in America, he needs to update his prescription from the 1950s.

The Guardian

That morning, Stipe says, his French boyfriend had told him how France needs to update the Fifth Republic.

The Guardian - Music

The Republican Party certainly needs to update its agenda to deal with problems Reagan never grappled with.

The Economist

The F.A.A. has recognized it needs to update its policies, particularly with the proliferation of electronics, and the constant innovation in the technology world.

The New York Times

"Clearly the media needs to update its attitudes and get with the times; people are living and working longer and age discrimination is out dated".

The Guardian

In order to take advantage of these new features, your channel needs to update to our Google-wide identity system, which works both on YouTube and also across the rest of Google.

The Guardian - Tech

The trick to stimulating the consumer, Ms. Solomon said, is to "make her believe she needs to update her wardrobe, to make her feel there is something she needs to have to get that emotional boost".

The New York Times

Southwest also needs to update its software so it can, among other things, sell international tickets and provide passport information to federal authorities — something that its antiquated system cannot do.

The New York Times

As a first step, the group says the government needs to update Australia's national electricity objective "to include a clear goal to accelerate Australia's energy transition towards net zero emissions before 2050, to fulfil our domestic policy objectives and international commitments".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to update", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity about what requires updating. For example, specify "the software needs to update" rather than just "it needs to update".

Common error

Avoid using "needs to update" without specifying what requires the update. This can lead to confusion. Instead of saying "the system needs to update", be specific: "the system needs to update its security protocols".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to update" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a requirement or necessity for something to be revised or modernized. Ludwig AI shows it's frequently used when referring to systems, software, policies, or information that are outdated or require improvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs to update" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies a requirement for revision, modernization, or correction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When using the phrase, clarity is key; ensure the subject requiring the update is clearly defined. Alternatives such as "requires updating", "should be updated", and "must be revised" can offer nuanced variations in meaning and emphasis. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, writers can effectively incorporate "needs to update" into their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires updating

Replaces "needs" with "requires", emphasizing the necessity from an external requirement.

should be updated

Substitutes "needs" with "should be", indicating a recommendation or advisability for updating.

must be revised

Replaces "needs to update" with "must be revised", highlighting the imperative nature of the update as a revision.

is in need of an update

Emphasizes the state of requiring an update rather than the action itself.

demands to be updated

Stronger emphasis on the urgency or importance of updating.

is essential to update

Highlights the critical importance of performing the update.

warrants an update

Suggests that the situation justifies or calls for an update.

calls for an update

Indicates that circumstances or conditions necessitate an update.

would benefit from an update

Focuses on the positive outcome or improvement resulting from an update.

could use an update

A more informal way to suggest that something would be improved by updating.

FAQs

How can I use "needs to update" in a sentence?

You can use "needs to update" to indicate that something requires revision or modernization. For example, "The website "needs to update" its design to attract a younger audience".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "needs to update"?

Alternatives include "requires updating", "should be updated", or "must be revised", depending on the context and the level of urgency.

Is it correct to say "need to update" instead of "needs to update"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "need to update" with plural subjects (e.g., "They need to update their records"). Use "needs to update" with singular subjects (e.g., "He needs to update his profile").

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

"Needs to update" implies an action that must be performed by someone or something, while "needs updating" suggests a state of requiring an update. For example, "The app needs to update its terms of service" versus "The app needs updating because it's outdated".