doctor up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doctor up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean to embellish or improve something, often in a way that may not be entirely truthful or accurate. Example: "He decided to doctor up his resume to make it look more impressive to potential employers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

I didn't take the doctor up on his offer.

The New York Times - Travel

HOUSTON, Oct. 4 — In Texas, it can be a long wait for a doctor: up to six months.

The New York Times

He's been trying to doctor up his score book so that it will look a little better when he hands it over to league officials.

The New Yorker

But you can also doctor up store-bought mayo with pretty good results — not as good as making it from scratch, but not bad either.

The New York Times

Outside says that in 2010, head injuries suffered while skiing or snowboarding accounted for 14,947 visits to the doctor, up from 9,308 in 2004.

The Guardian

A lady who is a gourmet decided to doctor up the recipe in the electric-mixer cookbook for pate, and made something special She started with some left-over veal.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The doctor upped the dosage a few more times, then switched medications twice, but nothing.

The New York Times

He has explained his next steps to curious doctors up and down the country.

The Guardian

For junior doctors (up to the age of 35 on average) the NHS is a single-monopoly employer.

Independent

Over half of the doctors up to age 40 have used drugs recreationally at some time in their lives.

The New York Times

We should be backing doctors up and down the country who are helping ensure people with dementia are diagnosed".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doctor up" when you want to convey that something has been modified to appear better, even if it involves some level of deception or artifice. Be mindful of the context, as it can imply dishonesty.

Common error

Avoid using "doctor up" in formal writing or professional settings. It's generally more appropriate for informal communication. Opt for more neutral terms like "improve" or "modify" in formal documents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doctor up" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used transitively. It means to modify or falsify something in order to make it appear better. This usage is supported by Ludwig and demonstrated in examples where recipes, documents, and photos are doctored up.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "doctor up" is a common phrasal verb that signifies modifying or falsifying something to make it seem better, often implying a degree of deception. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable. While most frequently found in news and media contexts, its informal register suggests caution in formal settings, where alternatives like "improve" or "modify" may be more appropriate. Examples showcase usage in diverse scenarios, from recipes to documents, underscoring its versatility but also the importance of contextual awareness. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

touch up

Implies making small improvements or corrections.

tweak

Suggests making minor adjustments for optimal performance.

improve

A general term for making something better.

enhance

Similar to improve, but often implies making something more attractive or valuable.

refine

Implies improving something by making small changes over time.

embellish

Focuses on adding decorative details to improve appearance.

modify

Suggests making changes to something, potentially for functional reasons.

alter

A broader term for making changes, without necessarily implying improvement.

falsify

Emphasizes altering something to be deliberately untrue.

fake

Similar to falsify but more informal.

FAQs

What does "doctor up" mean?

The phrase "doctor up" means to falsify or modify something so that it appears better than it actually is. It often suggests an attempt to deceive or improve something superficially.

How can I use "doctor up" in a sentence?

You can use "doctor up" to describe improving recipes, documents or photos for example. For example: "She decided to "doctor up" the cake mix with lemon zest" or "He tried to "doctor up" the data to get a better result".

Are there any synonyms for "doctor up"?

Yes, some synonyms for "doctor up" include "embellish", "improve", "enhance", or "modify". The best alternative will depend on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "doctor up"?

"Doctor up" is appropriate in informal contexts when you want to describe making something appear better, even if it involves some degree of artifice or deception. Avoid using it in formal or professional settings where more neutral language is preferred.