renovate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "renovate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of restoring or improving a building, room, or object. Example: "We plan to renovate the kitchen to make it more modern and functional."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Already charming, with a guestroom sleeping up to four, it's set to get even better: the Yarrows have plans to renovate the house in early 2015.

The Guardian - Travel

We will use some of our savings to renovate the property but my dad will need to contribute to help with the conversion so that he can move in and for there to be sufficient space for everyone to live in.

The Guardian - Money

"We do try and renovate and make the physical environment better but schools no longer get any capital grants for adequate maintenance of buildings.

The Guardian

But there's more to the city than food – a similarly ambitious plan to renovate its former dock area on the banks of the Rhône and the Saône rivers kicked off in 2007.

The Guardian - Travel

The plan would be to use some of dad's savings to pay for the extension to our new home, renovate his current home and then rent it out while he lives with us.

The Guardian - Money

When I asked him why he was working so hard, he said, 'come on Jeremiah get off your arse and do something.'" Tower agrees that he had indeed been sitting on his arse for quite a few years, in Mexico where he had retired to renovate houses.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sheffield gets £3.5m to renovate a former Co-op department store in the Castlegate area for the same purpose, while Leeds gets £3.7m to renovate a derelict police headquarters in the heart of Leeds, creating a six-floor business incubator.

The Guardian

The owners plan to renovate and knock through to a fourth house, a neglected old property around the corner which in 1498 allegedly belonged to Columbus.

The Guardian - Travel

Kitchen Revolution, in which contestants will locate, renovate and run a restaurant in pursuit of reality glory, is the new addition to Seven's schedule which is already bulging with The X Factor, Dancing with the Stars, My Kitchen Rules and House Rules.

The Guardian

Officials said De Niro and Australian businessman James Packer will help renovate and expand a former five-star luxury resort that closed several years ago.

The Guardian - Film

There are plans to renovate (and clear landmines from) an extensive railway network that reaches Congo and Zambia.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing improvements to a property, use "renovate" to convey a comprehensive update that goes beyond mere decoration or repair.

Common error

Avoid using "renovate" when only minor repairs or cosmetic changes are involved. Words like "repair", "repaint", or "touch up" may be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "renovate" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of improving or restoring something to a better condition. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "renovate" is used to describe improving buildings, houses, and even abstract concepts like relationships with NATO.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "renovate" is a versatile verb used to describe the process of improving or restoring something to a better condition. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as encyclopedic entries. It generally carries a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives such as "refurbish", "remodel", and "restore" exist, "renovate" offers a broad meaning encompassing significant improvements. Remember to use "renovate" to describe comprehensive updates rather than minor fixes for the most accurate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refurbish

Focuses on cleaning and redecorating, often implying cosmetic improvements rather than structural changes.

remodel

Suggests a significant alteration to the structure or design of something.

restore

Emphasizes returning something to its original condition, often after damage or deterioration.

rehabilitate

Implies restoring something to a useful or good condition, often used in the context of buildings or individuals.

upgrade

Suggests improving something by adding new features or capabilities.

revamp

Implies a complete and often stylish transformation.

recondition

Focuses on repairing and restoring something to a working order.

redevelop

Implies the demolition of the current structure and subsequent reconstruction.

modernize

Suggests bringing something up to current standards, often through technological or design updates.

fix up

An informal phrase meaning to repair or improve something.

FAQs

How to use "renovate" in a sentence?

Use "renovate" when you want to express the action of restoring something old to a good condition or making some new additions or repairs. For example, "They plan to renovate their old house".

What can I say instead of "renovate"?

You can use alternatives like "refurbish", "remodel", or "restore" depending on the context.

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

"Renovate" typically means to restore something to a good state of repair, whereas "remodel" implies a more significant alteration or redesign of a space.

Is it correct to say "renovate a website"?

While "renovate" is typically used for physical structures, it can be used metaphorically for things like websites. However, alternatives like "redesign" or "overhaul" might be more appropriate.