spice things up

USAGE SUMMARY

"spice things up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to making something more exciting, interesting, or unique. For example, "We decided to spice things up by trying a new restaurant for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You have to spice things up".

The New York Times - Arts

Hey, fellas, want to spice things up with your lady?

The New York Times

"I did try to spice things up for him.

The New Yorker

Why not spice things up with a penalty shoot-out?

The Guardian

Why not spice things up this year by yelling new slogans?

The New Yorker

"We are going to spice things up, and we are paying people, too".

The New York Times

To spice things up a bit?

BBC

Change the rules to spice things up!

Huffington Post

I doubled the alcohol content to spice things up (oops).

Huffington Post

To spice things up, we opted for a jpeg interview.

Vice

To spice things up, we opted for a JPEG interview.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spice things up" when you want to suggest making an activity, situation, or object more interesting, exciting, or appealing. It's a versatile phrase applicable in both casual and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

While "spice things up" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated vocabulary to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "spice things up" functions primarily as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to indicate making something more interesting, exciting, or unique. The examples show it modifying actions and situations across a range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

34%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

7%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spice things up" is a common and acceptable idiomatic phrase used to suggest making something more interesting or exciting. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, although it's most prevalent in news, media, and informal settings like WikiHow. While grammatically correct, it should be used judiciously in highly formal or academic writing, where more sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred. Alternatives like ""liven things up"" or ""add some zest"" can offer similar connotations while maintaining an appropriate register. It is crucial to consider your audience and the context when deciding whether to use "spice things up".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

liven things up

Direct synonym, emphasizing making something more lively.

shake things up

Implies making significant changes to create excitement.

add some zest

Focuses on adding liveliness or enthusiasm.

kick it up a notch

Suggests increasing the intensity or quality of something.

add a spark

Suggests introducing a small but significant element of interest.

inject excitement

Highlights the introduction of thrill or eagerness.

add some flair

Focuses on adding style and distinctiveness.

add a twist

Focuses on introducing an unexpected element or change.

ginger things up

Uses 'ginger' metaphorically to suggest adding energy or excitement.

put a spin on it

Implies changing the way something is presented to make it more interesting.

FAQs

How can I use "spice things up" in a sentence?

You can use "spice things up" to suggest making something more interesting or exciting. For example, "Let's "liven things up" and try a new game tonight", or "To "add some zest" to the presentation, we'll include interactive elements".

What's a more formal alternative to "spice things up"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "enhance", "invigorate", or "augment" to convey a similar meaning without the casual tone of "spice things up".

Is "spice things up" appropriate for professional communication?

It depends on the context. In casual workplace communication or brainstorming sessions, "spice things up" can be appropriate. However, in formal reports or presentations, it's best to use more professional alternatives.

Can "spice things up" be used in academic writing?

Generally, it's better to avoid "spice things up" in academic writing. More formal and precise language is typically preferred to maintain an objective and professional tone.