this needs to change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this needs to change" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the necessity for a modification or improvement in a situation or condition. Example: "After reviewing the current policies, it's clear that this needs to change to better serve our clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This needs to change".

The New York Times

This needs to change – now.

The Guardian - Opinion

This needs to change or it will continue to happen.

The Guardian - Tech

For the sake of our cities, this needs to change.

The Guardian - Opinion

This needs to change, and I believe that it can.

The Guardian

This needs to change – things are rarely that simplistic.

Independent

But these days there's a palpable sense that this needs to change.

The New Yorker

If we really want to prevent offending and reoffending this needs to change.

The Guardian

This needs to change so that everyone can get the help they need to thrive.

The Guardian - Opinion

President Obama was on the mark when he said that this needs to change.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr Mortensen argued that this needed to change.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this needs to change" to clearly and directly express the necessity for improvement or modification in a particular situation. Ensure the context clearly indicates what "this" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "this needs to change" without a clear antecedent. Always ensure that the "this" refers to a specific, identifiable issue or situation to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this needs to change" functions as a declarative statement expressing the necessity for alteration or improvement. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this needs to change" is a direct and commonly used expression indicating that a particular situation requires modification or improvement. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, it serves to express the necessity for alteration, prompting action or awareness. When using the phrase, ensure that the "this" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider using alternatives such as "this requires modification" or "this demands alteration" to adjust the tone and formality of your writing. The frequency and authoritative sources suggest it's a staple in expressing needed transformations across different domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this requires modification

More formal and emphasizes the act of modifying.

this demands alteration

Stronger emphasis on the necessity of change.

this calls for a shift

Focuses on a change in direction or approach.

this must be revised

Specifically points to the need for a formal review and change.

this warrants adjustment

Highlights the need for fine-tuning.

it is essential to make changes

Highlights the importance of change.

a change is imperative here

Emphasizes urgency and necessity.

this situation necessitates reform

Suggests a complete overhaul is needed.

the current situation is untenable

Highlights the impossibility of continuing as is.

the existing approach is inadequate

Focuses on the insufficiency of the present method.

FAQs

How can I use "this needs to change" in a sentence?

Use "this needs to change" to express that a particular situation, policy, or behavior requires modification or improvement. For example, "The current policy is inefficient; "this needs to change" immediately."

What are some alternatives to saying "this needs to change"?

You can use alternatives such as "this requires modification", "this demands alteration", or "this calls for a shift" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "this needs to change"?

Yes, "this needs to change" is grammatically correct. The subject "this" is followed by the verb "needs" and the infinitive "to change", forming a coherent and standard English sentence.

What's the difference between "this needs to change" and "something needs to change"?

"This needs to change" refers to a specific, identified issue. "Something needs to change" is more general, indicating a problem without specifying what it is.