modernizing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modernizing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of making something more current or up-to-date, often in the context of technology, systems, or practices. Example: "The company is focused on modernizing its outdated software to improve efficiency and user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Between 1815 and 1861 the economy of the Northern states was rapidly modernizing and diversifying.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That those responsible for modernizing the metropolis are coping with these problems suggests the appropriateness of its official emblem: the God Indra seated atop a sacred white elephant, the four tusks of which denote its celestial status and its ability to accomplish the impossible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Challoner's purpose in his revision of the Douai-Reims version (1749 50) was to make the Bible more readable by modernizing the language and to correct earlier errors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The rationale for modernizing the INF was switched from the requirements of flexible response to the more politically marketable aim of matching the deployment of the SS-20, and in November 1981, at the start of negotiations on that issue, Reagan offered to eliminate NATO's INF if all SS-20s were removed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Soviet Union possessed large numbers of short-range missiles and had been modernizing them for a decade with such systems as the SS-21, but Gorbachev indicated a readiness to negotiate their complete elimination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Countries with strong nationalist leaders were more successful in modernizing education.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Italy did not succeed in growing rapidly and thereby modernizing until after World War II.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As minister of finance (1881 87), he implemented reforms aimed at modernizing the Russian economy, notably tax law changes estimated to have reduced the tax burden on the peasantry by one-fourth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Neither Ch'oe nor his contemporaries, however, could escape the bounds of traditional prosody or succeed in modernizing traditional forms of speech and allusion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shimazaki Tōson, pseudonym of Shimazaki Haruki (born March 25 , 1872 Magome, Nagano prefecture, Japan died Aug. 22, 1943, Ōiso, Kanagawa prefecture) Japanese poet and novelist, whose fiction illuminated the clash of old and new values in a Japan feverishly modernizing itself during the period of the Meiji Restoration (1868 1912).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But increasingly they give rise to reactions and behaviour that have a de-modernizing character.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing improvements to processes, consider using "modernizing" to emphasize the adoption of contemporary methods and technologies.

Common error

Don't just say something is "modernizing" without specifying which aspects are being updated or improved. Provide concrete details to illustrate the changes.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "modernizing" is that of a verb, used in its present participle form to describe an ongoing action or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

28%

Science

25%

News & Media

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "modernizing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb form indicating the process of bringing something up to date. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable. Its primary contexts include encyclopedias, scientific publications, and news media, reflecting a neutral to formal register. While various alternatives exist, "modernizing" specifically highlights the adoption of contemporary methods and technologies. When using the term, provide specific details about what aspects are being updated to improve clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

updating

A more general term that can apply to software, information, or processes; less comprehensive than "modernizing".

upgrading

Specifically refers to improving something by replacing it with a newer or better version.

bringing up to date

Focuses on updating something to the present time, often implying a simpler process than a full modernization.

revamping

Suggests a more dramatic and thorough change or makeover.

overhauling

Implies a complete and thorough repair or renovation.

transforming

Implies a significant change in form, nature, or appearance.

innovating

Emphasizes the introduction of new ideas or methods.

streamlining

Focuses on making something more efficient and simple.

renewing

Suggests restoring something to a previous state of freshness or effectiveness.

reforming

Indicates a systematic improvement, often in a political or social context.

FAQs

How is "modernizing" typically used in a sentence?

It's used as a present participle or gerund, often describing an ongoing process or action of making something more current. For example, "The company is "modernizing" its infrastructure."

What are some alternatives to "modernizing"?

Depending on the context, you could use "updating", "revamping", or "upgrading" as alternatives to "modernizing".

Is there a difference between "modernizing" and "updating"?

"Updating" generally refers to making something current or recent, while "modernizing" often implies a more comprehensive change to align with contemporary standards and technologies. "Modernizing" may involve more than just a simple "update".

Can "modernizing" be used in all contexts?

While generally versatile, "modernizing" is most appropriate when referring to significant changes that bring something in line with current technologies, practices, or styles. Consider alternatives like "improving" or "enhancing" for less drastic changes.