reformulate

USAGE SUMMARY

"reformulate" is an acceptable and commonly used word in written English.
It can be used when you want to explain changing or modifying something into a different form, usually to make it simpler or more effective. For example, "The committee decided to reformulate their approach in order to deliver a more efficient solution".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He can reformulate them now to give answers for the emergencies of today .Brazilian officials are worried that the media attention drawn by the pope's visit could encourage a revival of the recent protests.

The Economist

But it will prove a principle about using the cosmos as a chemistry laboratory, and the hope is that similar findings about other molecules that are harder to make may allow chemical engineers at home to reformulate their processes.

The Economist

These are usually designed to "push out the edge of the envelope"—in other words, to extend the range of conditions for which the drug can be used, and reformulate it in ways that make it more effective, and therefore more profitable.The conduct of clinical trials is the bit of the pipeline most frequently outsourced by both big and small drug companies.

The Economist

With Iraq, the West might perhaps reformulate its demands.

The Economist

America must reformulate a coherent Russian policy and then persuade its allies to support it as it has previously failed to do.

The Economist

Since national food producers are unlikely to reformulate their entire line for the benefit of a few million New Yorkers, a trans-fat ban would sweep large categories of food off the supermarket shelves, in a way that would be directly and obviously attributable to the ban (since they would disappear from every supermarket shelf at once).

The Economist

Another characteristic of contemporary doctrinal statements, such as those of the Roman Catholic Second Vatican Council (1962 64) and the Confession of 1967, declared by the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (the forerunner to the contemporary Presbyterian Church [U.S.A.]), is the attempt to reformulate traditional beliefs in ways appropriate to modern circumstances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In throwing doubt on the assumption of a necessary link between cause and effect, Hume was the first philosopher of the postmedieval world to reformulate the skepticism of the ancients.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This correspondence makes it possible to reformulate problems in geometry as equivalent problems in algebra, and vice versa; the methods of either subject can then be used to solve problems in the other.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Green's influence on English philosophy was complemented by his social influence in part through his efforts to bring the universities into closer touch with practical and political affairs and in part through his attempt to reformulate political liberalism so that it laid more stress on the need for positive actions by the state than on the negative rights of the individual.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In June, the FDA made good on that promise, saying it would give manufacturers three years to reformulate products or to petition the agency for an exception.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reformulate", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being changed and why. Be specific about the elements or aspects that are being altered.

Common error

Avoid using "reformulate" when a simpler word like "change" or "revise" would suffice. "Reformulate" implies a more significant and complex alteration than a minor adjustment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reformulate" is as a transitive verb, indicating the action of changing something into a new and different form. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reformulate" is a transitive verb used to describe the act of changing something into a new and different form, often to improve its effectiveness or suitability. It is grammatically correct and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig. While it is most commonly found in science, news media, and encyclopedias, it maintains a neutral register. When using "reformulate", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being changed and why, avoiding its overuse for minor adjustments. Consider alternatives like "revise", "recast", or "rephrase" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. As Ludwig AI indicates, "reformulate" is an acceptable and commonly used word in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rephrase

Similar to reword, but often implies making something clearer or more understandable.

reword

Focuses specifically on changing the wording of something.

restate

Means to say something again, but in a different way, often for clarity.

revise

Focuses on correcting or improving something already written or planned.

rewrite

Suggests creating a new version of something, often with significant changes.

redevelop

Emphasizes improving something, especially land or property, by changing its use or appearance.

rethink

Emphasizes reconsidering something to potentially change one's approach or understanding.

recast

Suggests changing the form or presentation of something.

reshape

Implies changing the shape or form of something, often to improve it.

remodel

Suggests changing the structure or design of something.

FAQs

How can I use "reformulate" in a sentence?

You can use "reformulate" when you want to express the action of changing or modifying something into a different form, usually to make it simpler or more effective. For instance: "The company decided to "reformulate" its marketing strategy to reach a younger audience."

What are some alternatives to "reformulate"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "revise", "recast", "reword", or "rephrase" to convey a similar meaning to "reformulate".

Is it better to say "reformulate" or "revise"?

While both "reformulate" and "revise" imply making changes, "reformulate" suggests a more comprehensive and fundamental alteration. Use "reformulate" when the changes are substantial; otherwise, "revise" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "reformulate" and "rephrase"?

"Reformulate" suggests altering the entire structure or form, while "rephrase" simply means expressing something in a different way without necessarily changing its fundamental nature or content.