overhauling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overhauling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of making significant changes or improvements to something, often in a mechanical or organizational context. Example: "The company is overhauling its outdated software system to improve efficiency and user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The prospect of the government being forced to make unpalatable concessions, overhauling the pension system and eroding workers' rights, in addition to further taxes on property and goods, has been greeted with despondency and despair.

The Guardian

Given two of Russia's six remaining games are against Luxembourg, Portugal must beat Capello's side in Lisbon on Friday if they are to have any chance of overhauling them and avoiding the play-offs.

The Guardian - Sport

The Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, refused to throw in the towel after Saturday's draw at home to Valencia left their hopes of overhauling the La Liga leaders, Barcelona, hanging by a thread.

The Guardian - Sport

On the contrary, it may be a small sign that Jenkins has accepted – finally – that it is time to get serious in overhauling the investment bank.

The Guardian - Business

PAUL RYAN'S proposals, from overhauling health care to radically rethinking taxation, excite Republicans but also provide ample targets for Democrats.

The Economist

IN 1999, the conservative opposition came within 32,000 votes of overhauling the centre-left Concertación coalition, which has governed Chile uninterruptedly since the end of General Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship.

The Economist

Successfully overhauling a system this big (one-seventh of the economy) and sensitive (tending to the sick) was always going to be a long, contentious process.

The Economist

It has fewer qualms, however, about overhauling another market in its fief: that for wet fish.Billingsgate, controlled by the City since 1327, lies a stone's throw from the towers of Canary Wharf.

The Economist

Indeed, by one reckoning (the difference between overhauling an economic programme and starting a new one is, after all, a fine one), it will be the eighteenth time the IMF has ridden to Turkey's rescue.

The Economist

He said this week that in addition to overhauling his cabinet, he would reduce the number of powerful co-ordinating ministers from three to two, and that he and Miss Megawati would run things with this new pair.

The Economist

Across America shale-shocked executives will spend Christmas overhauling their strategies to cope with life at $70 per barrel, even as investors dump their firms' shares and bonds.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overhauling", ensure the context clearly indicates a comprehensive and systemic change, not just a minor adjustment.

Common error

Avoid using "overhauling" when the intended meaning is a simple update or minor fix. Use it only when referring to significant, transformative changes.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "overhauling" is as a present participle, often used in continuous verb tenses or as a gerund acting as a noun. Ludwig examples show it modifying nouns, indicating an action of comprehensive change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "overhauling" functions as a present participle, primarily used to denote a process of comprehensive change or restructuring. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the usage is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, including News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "revamping" or "restructuring" exist, "overhauling" specifically emphasizes a thorough and systemic transformation. As such, understanding its proper scope and application is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revamping

Focuses more on aesthetic or presentational improvements rather than fundamental changes.

restructuring

Emphasizes changes to the organization or system of something.

remodeling

Suggests a change in structure or form, often in a physical or tangible sense.

reforming

Implies an improvement by removing faults or imperfections.

revising

Indicates a review and alteration to correct or improve.

renovating

Highlights restoring something to a good state of repair.

reorganizing

Stresses a new arrangement or structure, often for efficiency.

rehabilitating

Focuses on restoring something to its former condition or effectiveness.

recalibrating

Highlights adjusting something to ensure it is accurate or optimal.

redesigning

Implies a complete change in the design or plan of something.

FAQs

How is "overhauling" typically used in a sentence?

The term "overhauling" is often used to describe a comprehensive and thorough renovation or restructuring of a system, process, or object. For example, "The company is "overhauling" its outdated software system".

What are some alternatives to using the word "overhauling"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "revamping", "restructuring", or "reforming".

When is it appropriate to use "overhauling" instead of "updating"?

"Overhauling" implies a more significant and extensive change than simply "updating". Use "overhauling" when the changes are fundamental and affect the entire system or process, rather than just incremental improvements.

What's the difference between "overhauling" and "renovating"?

"Overhauling" often refers to systems, processes, or organizations, implying a deep, structural change. "Renovating", on the other hand, typically refers to physical spaces or objects, implying restoration and improvement. The phrase "renovating" is mainly used in a construction context.