refuel

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "refuel" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to mean "fill up with fuel". For example: "We had to stop to refuel the car before continuing our journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of course, the tour is punctuated by stop-offs at two of Muia's favourite pizzerias for a doughy, cheesy, refuel.

The Guardian - Travel

Being near the crossroads of the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast trail, it's very popular with walkers, who refuel on a good selection of local ales, including their own Ewe Juice, and hearty tucker, such as the roasts which are served inside plate-size Yorkshire pudding.

The Guardian - Travel

"We race from project to project and apply our knowledge but we often don't refuel that tank.

The Guardian

A fleet of Ford tankers refuel aeroplanes at Havana's airport.

The Economist

He also invited Russia to use Venezuela's military airports to refuel its strategic bomber aircraft.Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, Argentina's president, asked the country's Congress to bring forward to June 28th a legislative election originally due in October.

The Economist

It takes eight minutes to refuel with six litres of the fuel, enough to drive 200km (125 miles).

The Economist

The British snorted tartly that within the past five years the Prestige had called at many EU ports, including Algeciras and Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands, legally part of Spain; and only once, last June, had it moored at Gibraltar outside the port, to refuel.

The Economist

The used slurry is then stored until it is time to refuel, when it is pumped out while a fresh batch is loaded.Whether sodium borohydride could prove a feasible solution to the hydrogen-storage problem remains to be seen, but it is an ingenious idea.

The Economist

In foreign matters he kept relations with America from fraying, by using the ruling coalition's supermajority to ram through legislation allowing Japan's navy to refuel ships in the Indian Ocean in support of efforts in Afghanistan.

The Economist

It also includes plans for breaking up satellites into smaller components that communicate wirelessly, or deploying "space tugs" that would repair and refuel existing satellites.Few of these options are cost-free.

The Economist

SEPI says it will refuel Aerolineas with $350m of new capital only if all its seven unions sign new labour contracts involving pay cuts of up to 20%.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "refuel", be specific about what is being refueled. Providing context enhances clarity. For example, specify "refuel the car", "refuel the aircraft", or metaphorically, "refuel the team's enthusiasm".

Common error

Avoid using "refuel" in contexts where replenishment isn't about fuel or energy. For instance, saying "refuel the database" is incorrect; use "update" or "replenish" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "refuel" is as a verb, indicating the act of replenishing fuel. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. For example, “A fleet of Ford tankers refuel airplanes at Havana's airport.” It can also function as a noun, denoting an instance of refueling.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Encyclopedias

8%

Independent

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refuel" functions primarily as a verb meaning to replenish fuel, with a secondary usage as a noun referring to an act of refueling. Ludwig AI confirms the word is used correctly in numerous contexts. Its usage is very common, particularly in news and media, and the term carries a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, be specific about what is being refueled. Common mistakes involve using "refuel" in contexts where the replenishment is not related to fuel or energy. Related terms include "replenish fuel", "recharge", and "restock fuel".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

replenish fuel

Focuses specifically on the action of restoring fuel supplies, similar to "refuel".

restock fuel

Emphasizes the act of replenishing fuel to have it readily available.

top up fuel

Indicates adding fuel to reach a full or desired level.

recharge

Broader term that includes the concept of replenishing energy, applicable in contexts beyond just fuel.

replenish energy

Focuses on restoring energy levels, applicable to both physical and metaphorical contexts.

rest

Implies ceasing activity to regain strength or energy, indirectly related to refueling.

recuperate

Suggests recovering from exertion or depletion, a broader sense of restoring resources.

re-energize

Highlights the revitalization aspect of refueling, often used metaphorically.

fill up

A more general term for making something full, including fuel tanks.

stock up

To accumulate a supply of something for future use.

FAQs

How can I use "refuel" in a sentence?

You can use "refuel" to describe the act of replenishing fuel in vehicles or, metaphorically, to describe replenishing energy. For example, "The pilot had to "refuel" the plane before continuing the journey."

What are some alternatives to "refuel"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "replenish fuel", "restock fuel", or "recharge".

Is it correct to use "refuel" in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, "refuel" can be used metaphorically to describe replenishing energy, motivation, or enthusiasm. For example, "A good night's sleep can "refuel" your creativity."

What's the difference between "recharge" and "refuel"?

"Recharge" typically applies to batteries or electrical devices, while ""refuel"" is generally used for vehicles or engines that use fuel. However, both can be used metaphorically to mean restoring energy.