to mix things up

USAGE SUMMARY

"to mix things up" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to change or vary things, add variety, or introduce new elements to a situation in order to make it more interesting or entertaining. It can also refer to intentionally causing confusion or chaos. Example: "I'm getting bored of cooking the same meals every week, let's mix things up and try some new recipes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Forbes

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I like to mix things up just like you!

The New Yorker

But he conceded that it's much better to mix things up in a more personal way.

The New York Times

Then Kirill, to mix things up, lobbed one over my head.

The New York Times - Sports

Then you can call it dinner, or even brunch, just to mix things up even more.

The New York Times

Colton recently initiated a "Guest Buyer" series to mix things up a bit.

The New York Times

I try to mix things up with this newsletter, to, you know, keep it fresh.

The New York Times

"Smart politics from Cameron to mix things up by appointing a Wykehamist.

The Times

East attempted to mix things up with a weak jump overcall, but not in diamonds.

The New York Times - Arts

Aficionados fault Donovan for his reluctance to mix things up in Europe.

The New York Times - Sports

Robson attempts to mix things up with a drop shot, but it backfires.

The Guardian - Sport

Don't be afraid to mix things up a little bit!

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using this phrase, as it can sometimes imply a need for significant change or disruption.

Common error

While "to mix things up" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Variety in your language is just as important as variety in the topic you're discussing. Consider using synonyms like "to shake things up" or "to vary things" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to mix things up" is as an infinitive phrase acting as an adverbial of purpose. It explains the reason or intention behind an action, indicating why someone is doing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Forbes

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to mix things up" is a commonly used English phrase that expresses the intention to introduce variety or change a routine. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, media, and informal contexts. While generally suitable for neutral to informal situations, alternatives like "to introduce variety" may be more appropriate in formal settings. Remember that while "to mix things up" is a useful phrase, it's important to use varied language in your own writing to keep your readers engaged.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to shake things up

This alternative implies a more significant or disruptive change.

to vary things

This option is a more direct and simple way of expressing the same idea.

to change it up

This is a more informal, and casual alternative.

to diversify

This suggests adding different elements to create more variety.

to introduce variety

This is a more formal and explicit way of saying "to mix things up".

to add some spice

This option suggests making something more exciting or interesting.

to break the routine

This suggests escaping from a monotonous pattern.

to do something different

This is a very general way of expressing the desire for change.

to experiment

This implies trying new things to see what happens.

to try something new

This is a broad suggestion for seeking novel experiences.

FAQs

How can I use "to mix things up" in a sentence?

You can use "to mix things up" to suggest introducing variety or change. For example: "I'm getting bored of the same routine, so I'm going to mix things up and try a new hobby."

What does "to mix things up" mean?

"To mix things up" means to introduce variety or change to a situation or routine, often to make it more interesting or exciting.

Which is a more formal way to say "to mix things up"?

A more formal way to say "to mix things up" is "to introduce variety" or "to diversify", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "to mix things up"?

It's appropriate to use "to mix things up" in informal or neutral contexts when you want to suggest adding variety, changing a routine, or trying something new. It may not be suitable for highly formal or serious situations.