renew

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'renew' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a context where something is being changed in some way or has been made anew. Example sentence: The library has just renewed its collection of books, offering readers even more variety.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A long-time member, Peter Rücker, who watched Lubitz learn to fly, said he had been upbeat when he returned to the club last autumn to renew his glider pilot's licence.

The Guardian

Issues of how to build a common life under conditions of pluralism, how to engage people in political participation and self-government, how to decentralise political and economic power, how to resist the domination of the rich and the powerful, how to renew love and work so that life can be meaningful and fulfilling.

The Guardian - Opinion

Palestinian officials believe that – in the first instance – they require only a straight majority under Fifa rules with 75% being required to ratify and renew a suspension.

The Guardian

"I'm going to put more time and effort into it, renew my lobby pass and return to my Westminster haunts".

The Guardian

In what promises to be a shuddering game, in which Bale and Charlie Adam can renew acquaintance, Scotland's firepower may just give them the edge over a Welsh side missing Craig Bellamy.

The Guardian - Sport

He welcomed the new statement, as did former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert, who said: "We are speaking of an opportunity that must be seized to renew the diplomatic process".

The Guardian

Hiles would happily renew the deal, "but if in three years' time they are digging up half the area and flames are firing from the taps, we'd obviously think again," he jokes.

The Guardian

That is understandable, but there is also a place for us to engage in a longer-term conversation, a covenantal conversation, about how we renew our inheritance and rise to the challenge of living together for the good.

The Guardian - Opinion

The UN security council is unlikely to renew the mandate of its observer mission in Syria later this month, according to France's permanent representative to the organisation.

The Guardian

Lewis enjoyed an historic world championship season with Mercedes-Benz last year and it was a priority for this season to renew his contract for the next term.

The Guardian - Sport

Their projected tally of 10 seats should be a disaster of epic proportions – and yet, on the exit polls, it would almost be enough to see them renew their coalition vows with the Conservatives.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "renew", be specific about what is being renewed – a contract, a subscription, energy, etc. This adds clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "renew" when you mean to initiate something for the first time. "Renew" implies a prior existence or state, so use verbs like "start", "begin", or "establish" instead for new endeavors.

Linguistic Context

The word "renew" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It describes the action of extending the duration of something, restoring it to a previous condition, or reviving its vigor. Ludwig examples showcase its role in various contexts, such as renewing contracts, commitments, and even diplomatic processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "renew" is a versatile term that signifies extending, restoring, or reviving something. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, from formal agreements to personal revitalization. Predominantly found in news and business settings, "renew" is an essential word for expressing continuity and restoration. It is crucial to use "renew" when referencing something that existed before, and to clarify what exactly is being "renewed" for enhanced understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

replenish

Focuses on restoring something that has been depleted.

restore

Emphasizes returning something to its original condition.

revive

Highlights bringing something back to life or vigor.

extend

Specifically refers to prolonging the duration of something.

prolong

Similar to extend, but often used for abstract concepts like life or negotiations.

continue

Indicates maintaining something without interruption.

re-establish

Focuses on bringing something back into existence or effectiveness.

regenerate

Implies creating something new or restoring it to a better state.

reiterate

Repeats for emphasis or clarity.

recommence

Suggests starting something again after an interruption.

FAQs

How can I use "renew" in a sentence?

You can use "renew" to describe the act of extending or restoring something. For example, "I need to "renew" my driver's license," or "The company is working to "renew" its commitment to sustainability".

What's a simple synonym for "renew"?

A simple synonym for "renew" is "extend", especially when referring to contracts or subscriptions. Other options include "restore" or "revive", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "renew" and "renovate"?

"Renew" generally means to extend, restore, or revive something to a previous state, while "renovate" means to improve or repair a building or something similar, often making it look new or modern.

When should I use "renew" vs. "update"?

Use "renew" when you are extending or restoring something, like a membership. Use "update" when you are making something current or more modern, like software or information.