refurbish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "refurbish" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of renovating or restoring something, typically furniture or electronics, to improve its condition or appearance. Example: "We decided to refurbish the old chairs in the conference room to give them a fresh look."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We might fix it up and refurbish it, make it into self-contained studio flats for people who have a right to be there".

The Guardian

EastendHomes argue that the buildings here are structurally unsound and uneconomical to refurbish, which we totally disagree with.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The building plans of more than 700 schools, which were being developed as part of a £55bn project to rebuild or refurbish every secondary school in the country, were scrapped with immediate effect causing distress and anger to many heads, teachers, parent and pupils.

The Guardian

But thanks to high oil prices and revolutionary solidarity, plans are now afoot to refurbish the rundown facilities and restock the zoo.Cuba is to supply 19 animals from species of which it now has a surplus.

The Economist

A £40 billion programme to rebuild or refurbish every secondary school in the country over 15 years took off in 2006.But a passionate ideological debate about selection in English education (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own systems) has got in the way.

The Economist

Various agencies have shelled out about £24m in grants and loans to refurbish hotel and guest house accommodation and to help businesses market themselves.

The Economist

See articleBritish forces in Afghanistan delivered a Chinese-made turbine to refurbish the Kajaki hydroelectric power station in a 100-vehicle convoy protected by thousands of NATO soldiers.

The Economist

In Stoke-on-Trent, residents can apply to buy houses acquired under the Pathfinder scheme for £1, together with loans of £30,000 to refurbish them.

The Economist

Valérie Pécresse, the higher-education minister, has shocked the universities' egalitarian civil-service culture by forcing them to compete for money to refurbish their campuses.

The Economist

He has secured reverse-flow supplies from Slovakia, a deal for imports from Norway and an international loan to refurbish ageing pipelines.

The Economist

On average, it costs them around $400 to bring a geriatric computer up to snuff for the classroom.Better to have your obsolete machines recycled commercially, or to find a charity that will refurbish them for a worthwhile cause.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing improvements to a property or structure, consider whether "refurbish" accurately conveys the extent of the work. If it's a simple cosmetic update, other terms like "renovate" or "revamp" might be more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "refurbish" when simpler terms like "repair" or "clean" would suffice, especially in informal contexts. Using a more straightforward word can improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "refurbish" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of improving the condition of something by cleaning, repairing, or redecorating it. Ludwig provides many examples where "refurbish" is used in this way, such as "plans are now afoot to refurbish the rundown facilities".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "refurbish" is a transitive verb widely used to describe the act of improving something by cleaning, repairing, or redecorating. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, encyclopedias and business contexts. While "refurbish" is versatile, consider alternatives like "renovate" or "restore" for greater precision in specific situations. Avoid using it in informal contexts where simpler terms would suffice. Overall, "refurbish" is a valuable term for describing enhancements and improvements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Renovate

Similar to "refurbish", but often implies a more extensive and comprehensive restoration or alteration.

Restore

Focuses on returning something to its original condition, potentially with historical accuracy.

Recondition

Highlights the process of improving the functionality of an item, especially machinery or equipment.

Overhaul

Suggests a complete and thorough renovation or reconstruction.

Upgrade

Indicates improving something by adding or replacing parts to a newer or better standard.

Revamp

Implies a stylish or modern update, often focusing on appearance.

Modernize

Focuses on bringing something up to current technological or design standards.

Rehabilitate

Often used in the context of restoring buildings or individuals to a former state of good condition.

Fix up

A more informal way to describe making repairs and improvements.

Rebuild

Indicates constructing something again, often after damage or destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "refurbish" in a sentence?

You can use "refurbish" to describe the process of improving something by cleaning, repairing, and redecorating it. For example, "The city decided to "refurbish" the old community center".

What can I say instead of "refurbish"?

You can use alternatives like "renovate", "restore", or "recondition" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "refurbish" or "rehabilitate"?

Both ""refurbish"" and "rehabilitate" imply improvement, but "refurbish" typically refers to physical objects or places, while "rehabilitate" often applies to people or ecosystems. Choose the word that fits the subject of the sentence.

What's the difference between "refurbish" and "renovate"?

"Refurbish" generally means to clean, repair, and redecorate, while "renovate" suggests making significant changes or improvements to something.