modernize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "modernize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of making something more modern or up-to-date. For example, "The company modernized their office spaces to make them more efficient."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While both Putin and Medvedev spoke of the need to modernize and diversify the economy, Medvedev made modernization the keynote of his presidency.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many western observers also overlooked how the Olympics were part of Putin's grand strategy to modernize Russia by locking it into international commitments that force it to produce results under global scrutiny.

The Guardian - Opinion

A National Academy of Sciences panel is studying how to modernize crime statistics, new cooperation has been detected between FBI statisticians and BJS statisticians – and then there was that eyebrow-raising speech at Georgetown by Comey, the FBI director.

The Guardian

Santander has maintained a dividend of 0.60 euros per share, which last year was 50% more than its earnings per share.The hope is that Ms Botín's arrival might modernize the bank's corporate governance.

The Economist

He also undertook programs to modernize agriculture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Earnings from wool (which became the leading export in 1884), hides, and dried beef encouraged the British to invest in railroad building and also helped to modernize Montevideo notably in its public utilities and transportation system which thereby encouraged additional immigration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

1913 March 25 , 1997Roberto Sánchez Vilella, Puerto Rican politician who, as governor of Puerto Rico 1964-699), helped modernize the U.S. commonwealth (b. 1913--d. March 25 , 1997.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was said to have prompted railroads to modernize and become more competitive, introducing the concept of the unit train, which employs about 100 cars to haul coal nonstop from mines to power plants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Venezuela's economy has relied on earnings from the petroleum sector to modernize and diversify other economic sectors; thus "sembrando el petróleo" ("sowing the oil") has been a national slogan since the 1940s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To modernize is to take everything, the bad with the good, and not to modernize is to play no part in the life of contemporary humanity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Factors such as the escalating prices of new military fighters and declining defense budgets have forced most countries to modernize their existing aircraft in order to prolong their useful life until newer craft can be afforded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modernize", consider specifying the area or aspect being updated to provide clarity and context. For example, "modernize the company's technology infrastructure" is more informative than simply "modernize the company".

Common error

Avoid using "modernize" without specifying what is being modernized. Saying a company wants to "modernize" is vague; instead, specify "modernize its software systems" or "modernize its manufacturing process" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The verb "modernize" functions primarily to describe the act of making something more current or up-to-date. Ludwig AI showcases its usage in diverse contexts ranging from modernizing infrastructure to modernizing abstract concepts like political philosophy or curricula.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

38%

News & Media

32%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modernize" is a versatile verb used to describe the process of making something more current or up-to-date. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications. While generally neutral in register, specifying the scope of modernization enhances clarity. Related terms include ""upgrade"", ""renovate"", and ""revamp"", each offering unique nuances. Remember to avoid overgeneralizing the scope of modernization to ensure effective communication. This makes "modernize" a powerful tool for expressing progress and adaptation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring up to date

Focuses on making something current, often implying an update to the latest standards.

upgrade

Implies improving something to a higher standard or more efficient version.

renovate

Suggests restoring something to a good condition and updating it with modern features.

overhaul

Indicates a comprehensive review and renovation to improve performance and efficiency.

revamp

Focuses on giving something a new and improved form, often for aesthetic or functional reasons.

streamline

Emphasizes making something more efficient by removing unnecessary elements.

update

Refers to making something more current, often by adding the latest information or features.

innovate

Implies introducing new ideas or methods to improve something.

transform

Suggests a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.

remodel

Indicates changing the structure or form of something, often for functional improvement.

FAQs

How can I use "modernize" in a sentence?

You can use "modernize" to describe the process of making something more current or up-to-date. For example, "The city council plans to "modernize" the public transportation system".

What are some alternatives to the word "modernize"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "upgrade", "renovate", or "revamp" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "modernize" or "bring up to date"?

Both "modernize" and "bring up to date" are correct, but "modernize" often implies a more comprehensive transformation, while "bring up to date" suggests making something current with the latest standards.

What's the difference between "modernize" and "renovate"?

"Modernize" generally refers to making something more current or aligned with modern standards, whereas ""renovate"" typically means restoring something to a good state of repair and updating it. You renovate a building, but you might modernize a process.