give a makeover

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give a makeover" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when talking about making changes or improvements to someone's appearance or a particular thing, such as a room or a website. Example: "The interior designer was hired to give the old office a makeover, including new furniture and a fresh coat of paint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Mr. Adamson of Landor said he would give a makeover of the AOL brand "one good try" before giving up on it.

The New York Times

If you could choose anyone to give a makeover, who would it be and why?

Huffington Post

In another scene that nods to E.T., the central trio of kids give a makeover to the outsider in their midst, applying makeup and a wig as effectively as pre-teen boys can.

Vice

Select the soldiers you'd like to give a makeover.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Even Mario has been given a makeover.

The New York Times

What if e-mail could be given a makeover?

The Economist

John Garang's grave has been given a makeover.

Independent

This week, Eunice was given a makeover in green and white.

The New York Times - Sports

But the audition stages of the X Factor have been given a makeover.

The Guardian

Starbucks Gingerbread Latte This Red Cup favourite has been given a makeover for 2015.

Independent

It took more than 80 years, but the ancient compendium has been given a makeover.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Apply the phrase to individuals when referring to changes in fashion, grooming or cosmetic style in a lighthearted or lifestyle context.

Common error

Avoid using "give a makeover" for heavy construction or deep structural repairs where technical terms like 'reinforce' or 'rebuild' are more accurate. It typically implies a focus on appearance and presentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give a makeover" functions as a transitive verb phrase. In Ludwig, it is seen as a light verb construction where the verb 'give' provides the grammatical structure while 'makeover' carries the semantic weight. It typically requires an indirect object (the entity receiving the change) and a direct object ('a makeover').

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "give a makeover" is a highly versatile and widely accepted idiom in contemporary English. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and robust presence in prestigious publications. Whether applied to a 150-year-old fountain, a digital application or a personal style, it signifies a positive transformation focused on appearance and modernization. While it has an informal origin in beauty culture, its successful adoption by sources like The Economist and The New York Times demonstrates its utility in describing rebranding and strategic updates in a clear and engaging manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revamp

Suggests a more energetic or comprehensive improvement of something existing

face-lift

A metaphorical term for superficial improvements to make something look more attractive

remodel

Focuses more on changing the structure or layout, typically in a physical space

restyle

Specifically targets changes in the aesthetic style or design

renovate

Implies restoring something to a good state of repair

refurbish

Often used for cleaning or redecorating to make something look new

transform

Indicates a complete and often dramatic change in appearance or character

overhaul

Implies a thorough examination and repair or revision

update

A more general term for making something current or modern

modernize

Explicitly focuses on bringing something up to contemporary standards

FAQs

How do you use "give a makeover" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an improvement in appearance, such as "The designer decided to <a href="/s/give+the+lobby+a+makeover" target="_blank" rel="alternative">give the lobby a makeover by adding modern lighting and new furniture."

What is another way to say "give a makeover"?

Depending on the context, you could use "<a href="/s/revamp" target="_blank" rel="alternative">revamp", "<a href="/s/restyle" target="_blank" rel="alternative">restyle" or "<a href="/s/renovate" target="_blank" rel="alternative">renovate".

Is it "give a makeover" or "do a makeover"?

While both are used, "give a makeover" is significantly more common in professional publishing and lifestyle media. You might also see passive constructions like "<a href="/s/was+given+a+makeover" target="_blank" rel="alternative">was given a makeover".

Can "give a makeover" be used for abstract things?

Yes, it is frequently used for non-physical things like a brand, a website or even a political image. For example, "The candidate sought to <a href="/s/give+their+campaign+a+makeover" target="_blank" rel="alternative">give their campaign a makeover to appeal to younger voters."