shake up

USAGE SUMMARY

"shake up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrasal verb and can be used to mean to mix something up in order to make changes or get new ideas. For example, "The company is hoping to shake up its management team in order to make improvements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"We need to shake up the system".

The New York Times

How does that shake up the debate?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To shake up her flawlessly stylized life?

The New York Times - Books

That would shake up the whole region.

The New York Times

Ms. Harris decided to shake up her routine.

The New York Times - Arts

That might really shake up domestic Mexican politics.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

A8 Shake-Up at I.N.S.

The New York Times

A big shake-up seemed likely.

The Economist

Opposition lawmakers criticized the shake-up.

The New York Times

The shake-up has left employees baffled.

The New York Times

Still, a shake-up is coming.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shake up" to describe organizational change, consider specifying what aspects are being shaken up for clarity. For example, instead of saying "The company needs to shake things up", specify "The company needs to shake up its marketing strategy".

Common error

While "shake up" is widely understood, it can sound informal in certain professional or academic settings. Opt for stronger, more precise verbs like "restructure", "reorganize", or "reform" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shake up" is that of a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI identifies it as a verb that, when combined with the particle "up", takes on meanings such as to agitate, upset, or reorganize.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shake up" is a phrasal verb frequently used to denote the act of reorganizing or significantly altering something, often with the intent to improve or refresh it. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing most commonly in news and media contexts. While suitable for general use, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "reorganize" or "restructure" in professional or academic settings. The phrase's directness and common usage make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary, provided the context is carefully considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reorganize

Focuses on the structural changes rather than the disruptive process.

restructure

Implies a more formal and systematic alteration of an organization or system.

revolutionize

Suggests a complete and fundamental change, often on a grand scale.

transform

Emphasizes a dramatic change in form or appearance.

overhaul

Refers to a thorough repair or renovation, implying a return to a better state.

disrupt

Highlights the interruption of a normal process, potentially leading to innovation.

remold

Implies reshaping something into a new form.

alter radically

Indicates a significant change in nature or degree.

turn upside down

Emphasizes the reversal of an existing order or arrangement.

make significant changes

Describes the act of changing something important in order to improve it

FAQs

How to use "shake up" in a sentence?

You can use "shake up" in a sentence to mean to reorganize, upset, or agitate. For example, "The new CEO plans to "reorganize" the company's structure".

What can I say instead of "shake up"?

Alternatives to "shake up" include "reorganize", "restructure", or "reform", depending on the specific context.

Is "shake up" appropriate for formal writing?

While "shake up" is acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives such as "reorganize" or "restructure" may be more suitable for formal writing.

What's the difference between "shake up" and "disrupt"?

"Shake up" generally implies a planned reorganization, while "disrupt" often suggests a sudden and potentially chaotic change. "Shake up" can be part of a "turn upside down".