still needs work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still needs work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is not yet complete or requires further improvement. Example: "The project is promising, but it still needs work before the final presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Their act still needs work, though.

The New York Times

But alas, it still needs work.

The New York Times - Style

SERVICE -- Gracious, attentive but still needs work.

The New York Times

His defense still needs work, Mitchell said.

The New York Times

"But in some areas, his game still needs work".

The New York Times

I think some of it still needs work.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The Mets showed they still need work.

The New York Times - Sports

Some of the camera features still need work, though.

The New York Times

"But the interiors and styling still need work".

The New York Times

Together, they wrote to Matson, admitting that the manuscript still needed work.

The New Yorker

For his part, Mr. Kwek said the Plaza still needed work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still needs work" to provide constructive feedback, focusing on specific areas for improvement rather than general criticism.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "still needs work" without explaining what aspects require further attention. Provide concrete examples or suggestions for improvement to make your feedback more helpful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still needs work" functions as a comment on the state of something, indicating that further effort or improvement is required. Ludwig AI supports the expression as a common and correct phrase. It often acts as a predicative expression, describing the state of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "still needs work" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something requires further improvement or refinement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is versatile and appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity, avoid overusing the phrase without providing specific feedback. Consider alternatives like ""requires further refinement"" or ""is not quite ready"" in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requires further refinement

Emphasizes the need for subtle improvements and polishing.

is not quite ready

Indicates that something is incomplete or not yet suitable for its intended purpose.

remains to be improved

Highlights the ongoing need for enhancement.

is a work in progress

Suggests that the item is currently under development and not yet finalized.

has room for improvement

Indicates potential for positive change and enhancement.

could be better

A simpler, more direct way of saying that something isn't satisfactory yet.

is not up to par

Suggests that the item is below an expected standard or level of quality.

needs more development

Focuses on the need for additional progress and growth.

lacks polish

Highlights the absence of refinement and finishing touches.

has shortcomings

Indicates the presence of flaws or defects that require attention.

FAQs

How can I use "still needs work" in a sentence?

You can use "still needs work" to indicate that something is not yet complete or satisfactory and requires further improvement. For example: "The design is promising, but it "still needs work" before it's ready for presentation."

What are some alternatives to "still needs work"?

Alternatives include "requires further refinement", "is not quite ready", or "remains to be improved", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "still needs work" in formal writing?

While "still needs work" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "requires further development" or "needs further attention" may be more suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "still needs work" and "is finished"?

"Still needs work" indicates that something is incomplete and requires further effort, while "is finished" means the task or project is complete and no additional work is required.