gets touched up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets touched up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is improved, refined, or made more presentable, often in the context of art, design, or personal appearance. Example: "Before the exhibition, the artist ensures that each painting gets touched up to enhance its visual appeal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In the dining room, her granddaughter gets touched up by her aunt's fiancé.

The Guardian

Prior to the beginning of each basketball season, the sculpture gets touched up.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Even if you got back two years ago and you told everyone it was travelling but it was actually a holiday and you came home early because you got touched up in a market.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We go out and get touched up, and touch other people.

BBC

Go get touched up".

Vice

Meyer said many of her clients come back after about a year to get touch-ups.

HuffPost

Think about how often you are willing to get touch-ups.

WikiHow

"We're talking about the play where a player barely gets touched and somehow ends up in the second row," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

When each of the original seven have touched one person's thumb, they stand in front again, and someone says "Heads up seven up. " Everyone whose thumb got touched stands up.

WikiHow

"When you're an offensive lineman, the one thing you pride yourself on is making sure your quarterback doesn't get touched and that you open up holes," Clarke said.

The New York Times - Sports

You'll need to get it touched up fairly often, at least once a week to keep the look.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gets touched up" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being refined or improved. Be specific about the subject receiving the touch-up to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "gets touched up" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "is refined" or "is improved" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets touched up" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is receiving a minor improvement or adjustment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The examples illustrate its application in contexts ranging from art to personal appearance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gets touched up" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for indicating that something is being improved or refined. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for neutral to informal contexts, particularly in news, media, and wiki-style content. While alternatives such as "is refined" or "is improved" may be more appropriate for formal writing, "gets touched up" effectively conveys the idea of minor adjustments made for enhancement. The phrase's versatility and clarity make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary, provided it's used judiciously in context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receives a touch-up

Focuses on the act of receiving the improvement rather than the ongoing state.

is refined

Emphasizes the process of improvement and precision.

is improved

A general term highlighting the betterment of something.

is retouched

Specifically refers to making slight improvements, often in visual contexts.

is refurbished

Implies a more extensive renewal or restoration.

is polished

Emphasizes the final stages of refinement, often for visual appeal.

is tweaked

Suggests small, subtle adjustments for optimal performance.

undergoes maintenance

Highlights the act of keeping something in good condition, potentially involving minor improvements.

is amended

Focuses on making corrections or additions to something.

is renovated

Signifies a more comprehensive overhaul or remodeling.

FAQs

What does "gets touched up" mean?

The phrase "gets touched up" means that something is being improved or refined, often with minor adjustments to enhance its appearance or functionality.

What can I say instead of "gets touched up"?

You can use alternatives like "is refined", "is improved", or "receives a touch-up" depending on the specific context.

Is "gets touched up" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "gets touched up" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "is refined" or "is improved".

How to use "gets touched up" in a sentence?

You can use "gets touched up" in a sentence like: "Before the exhibition, the painting "gets touched up" to enhance its visual appeal."