renovation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "renovation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of improving or updating a building or space. Example: "The renovation of the historic theater has been completed, and it now features modern amenities while preserving its original charm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nine's long-running renovation TV series The Block is a goldmine.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mr Ahmadinejad's preoccupation is reported to have driven his government to allocate $17m £9.7mm) to Jamkaran's renovation.

The Guardian

In one new hybrid show on Channel Seven the dual genres of food and renovation will collide in Kitchen Revolution: a reality format which will screen every week night until the restaurants built by the contestants are ready for the viewers to visit and eat the cooked by the reality stars.

The Guardian

Yes, renovation is still hot, and in TV if it works flog it to death.

The Guardian

"His character is in every way that of a moderate; he is absolutely capable of undertaking the necessary renovation without any leaps into the unknown," said Francesca Ambrogetti, one of his biographers.

The Guardian

Flames from construction scaffolding around the bell tower, which has been under renovation, rose high above the Moscow skyline as firefighters struggled to protect one of the city's most beloved landmarks.

The Guardian

The show will return for its 11th series later in 2015 but for viewers who can't do without renovation on their telly until then, Nine has produced another show to fill the spot.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Glad to see Timothy Garton Ash touching on the question of corruption in parliament (It's not just parliament's buildings that require extensive renovation, 28 March).

The Guardian

In 2010, French designer Philippe Starck completed his renovation of a former wine cellar to create the Alhondiga culture and leisure centre (recently rebranded as Azkuna Zentroa).

The Guardian

On a nearby white board were instructions about automotive repair that could just as well been a campaign memo about the renovation of Clinton's image.

The Guardian

This is the man who turned the tiny Gate theatre into one of London's pre-eminent venues, before moving to the Royal Court, where he more than doubled the theatre's output, and raised several million pounds to finance the building's complete renovation.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing improvements to historical structures, consider using "restoration" to highlight the preservation of original features, whereas "renovation" is suitable for more modern updates.

Common error

Avoid using "renovation" as a catch-all term. Instead, use more precise terms like "restoration" for historical buildings, "remodeling" for structural changes, or "refurbishment" for cosmetic upgrades to better reflect the nature of the project.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "renovation" is as a noun, referring to the act or process of improving or restoring a building or space. Ludwig indicates this is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "renovation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that describes the process of improving or restoring a building or space. As Ludwig confirms, its usage is correct and widespread. While "renovation" is versatile, it's crucial to choose more specific terms like "restoration" or "remodeling" when the context demands greater precision. Its prevalence in news media and business contexts indicates its broad applicability, but careful consideration of related terms will enhance clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refurbishment

Focuses on improving the appearance and functionality, often used interchangeably with "renovation".

overhaul

Suggests a thorough and comprehensive repair or "renovation".

remodeling

Implies altering the structure or design, slightly broader than a simple "renovation".

revamp

Implies giving something a new and improved form.

restoration

Emphasizes returning something to its original condition, often used for historical buildings.

redevelopment

Suggests a more extensive project, possibly involving demolition and rebuilding.

reconstruction

Involves building something again after it has been damaged or destroyed.

makeover

Often implies a cosmetic change, less structural than a full "renovation".

facelift

Primarily focuses on improving the appearance, similar to a cosmetic "renovation".

upgrade

Focuses on improving functionality or technology, rather than aesthetics.

FAQs

How can I use "renovation" in a sentence?

You can use "renovation" to describe the process of improving a building, such as: "The house is undergoing a major "renovation" to modernize its interior."

What are some alternatives to "renovation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "refurbishment", "remodeling", or "restoration".

Is there a difference between "renovation" and "restoration"?

"Renovation" generally refers to improving or updating a building, while "restoration" focuses on returning it to its original condition. The key difference lies in whether the goal is to modernize vs preserve the original state.

When is it more appropriate to use "remodeling" instead of "renovation"?

"Remodeling" is more appropriate when the project involves altering the structure or layout of a space, whereas "renovation" can refer to more superficial updates. In short, remodeling implies a structural change, and "renovation" does not.