overhaul

USAGE SUMMARY

"overhaul" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a comprehensive renovation, repair, or cleaning. For example: We need to give the car an overhaul before the road trip.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She said the existing system made it unlikely that an immigration overhaul could unleash a new wave of illegal migration, like the surge since the amnesty of 1986.

The New York Times

Share your views in the comments section below and tell us whether fundraising regulation needs an overhaul to address these issues.

The Guardian

The latest overhaul of Twitter's safety features comes after a leaked memo from the company's chief executive, Dick Costolo, laid out in frank language its failures to get on top of harassment on the site.

The Guardian - Tech

"New South Wales is the only state to flat-line in its performance score, due largely to the abandonment of wholesale reform promised by the long-awaited overhaul of the planning system," the report said.

The Guardian

François Hollande's lead over Nicolas Sarkozy is narrowing just two days before France's presidential elections, but the incumbent still has a formidable challenge to overhaul the deficit in time for Sunday's vote.

The Guardian

The government will today propose the biggest overhaul of child maintenance for a decade, arguing that the current system encourages conflict between parents.

The Guardian

The bank had already promised to present an overhaul of its business to investors in New York on 17 November, but the discovery of the trading loss has piled pressure on Grübel to accelerate the review.

The Guardian - Business

If you are aiming to get coverage January 1, you should try to sign up today," said Julie Bataille, a spokeswoman for the federal agency overseeing the overhaul.

The Guardian

The DUP attempted to push through a motion in the regional parliament to overhaul the local welfare system and implement austerity measures already in place throughout the rest of the UK.

The Guardian

References to Romney's healthcare reforms in Massachusetts, which were a model for Obama's national overhaul, and Bush's support for the controversial Common Core education standards, prompted some boos and hisses from the crowd.

The Guardian

Today, the foreign minister Julie Bishop is telegraphing a further overhaul of the the way Australia's aid program is managed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overhaul", ensure that the context implies a significant level of change or improvement, not just a minor adjustment.

Common error

Avoid using "overhaul" when describing simple fixes or routine maintenance; reserve it for instances of substantial repair or modification.

Linguistic Context

The word "overhaul" primarily functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a significant repair or renovation. As a verb, it signifies the act of renovating, repairing, or completely revising something, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "overhaul" is a versatile word that can function as both a noun and a verb, denoting a significant repair, renovation, or revision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts. The primary contexts are News & Media and Formal & Business. While "overhaul" implies a major change or improvement, it's important to avoid using it for minor adjustments. Related terms include "renovate", "revamp", and "restructure". Considering its common usage and neutral register, "overhaul" is a valuable term for describing substantial transformations in various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete renovation

Emphasizes the aspect of restoring something to a better condition, similar to "overhaul" but focusing more on the physical improvement.

thorough revision

Highlights the act of carefully examining and correcting something, like a document or plan. "Overhaul" implies a more extensive transformation.

major refurbishment

Focuses on improving the appearance and functionality of something, often a building or object. "Overhaul" can be more comprehensive.

extensive repair

Stresses the fixing of damages or defects. While an "overhaul" includes repairs, it often encompasses broader improvements.

radical transformation

Suggests a significant change in form or nature, often more dramatic than a simple "overhaul".

comprehensive restructuring

Highlights the reorganization of a system or entity, which an "overhaul" might involve.

complete redevelopment

Implies the rebuilding or repurposing of something, often on a larger scale than an "overhaul".

total refitting

Focuses on replacing or upgrading equipment and components, similar to an "overhaul" in a mechanical context.

sweeping reform

Indicates broad, impactful changes, often in a political or social system. An "overhaul" can be part of a larger reform.

systematic improvement

Stresses the planned, step-by-step enhancement of something, which can be part of an "overhaul" process.

FAQs

How to use "overhaul" in a sentence?

You can use "overhaul" to describe a major renovation, repair, or revision. For example, "The company decided to "overhaul" its outdated software system."

What can I say instead of "overhaul"?

You can use alternatives like "renovate", "revamp", or "restructure" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "overhaul" or "over hall"?

"Overhaul" is a single word that means to renovate or repair. "Over hall" is a phrase that means "over the hall" and has a completely different meaning.

What's the difference between "overhaul" and "upgrade"?

"Overhaul" implies a comprehensive renovation or repair, while "upgrade" suggests an improvement or enhancement to an existing system or component. An ""overhaul"" might include multiple "upgrades".