to renew

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to renew" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of making something new again, restoring it, or extending its validity. Example: "I need to renew my library card before I can borrow any more books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There are opportunities to renew our infrastructure.

The New York Times

Then it declined to renew his contract.

The New York Times

And daily opportunities to renew yourself spiritually".

The New York Times

Naturally, he decided to renew his experiments.

The New Yorker

He did not seek to renew it.

The New Yorker

Club opted not to renew his contract.

Independent

I'm impatient to renew acquaintance with both.

The New York Times - Arts

It's time to renew my driver's license!

The New York Times

It's time to renew and strengthen it.

The New York Times

It has the power to renew.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ed Miliband wants to renew Trident.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about contracts or subscriptions, use "to renew" to clearly indicate the continuation of the agreement beyond its initial term. Ensure the context clarifies what is being renewed.

Common error

Avoid using "to renew" when you actually mean "to repair". "Renew" implies making something fresh or extending its validity, while "repair" means fixing something that is broken or damaged.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to renew" primarily functions as an infinitive, often used to express purpose or intention. As supported by Ludwig AI, its function is versatile, encompassing both the act of restoring something to a previous state and extending its validity or duration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to renew" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies making something new again, restoring it, or extending its validity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, ranging from formal agreements and scientific studies to everyday conversations. While the phrase generally maintains a neutral register, the context in which it's used can influence its specific formality. Be mindful of the distinction between "to renew" and similar words like "to repair" to ensure precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to regenerate

Focuses on restoring to a better state, often implying improvement rather than a simple continuation.

to restore

Emphasizes returning something to its original condition or state.

to extend

Specifically refers to prolonging the duration or validity of something.

to prolong

Similar to 'extend', but often implies a deliberate effort to lengthen the duration.

to replenish

Highlights the act of refilling or restoring something that has been depleted.

to revitalize

Suggests imbuing something with new life or energy.

to revamp

Implies a more thorough and comprehensive renovation or modernization.

to upgrade

Focuses on improving or enhancing something to a higher standard.

to refresh

Suggests making something feel new or invigorated, often in a less formal context.

to recommence

Implies restarting something after an interruption.

FAQs

How can I use "to renew" in a sentence?

You can use "to renew" to indicate making something new again, restoring something, or extending something. For example, "I need "to renew my passport" before my trip" or "The company decided "to renew the contract"".

What is a good alternative to "to renew"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to regenerate", "to restore", or "to extend". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "to renew the lease" or "to extend the lease"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "To renew the lease" suggests starting a new lease agreement, while "to extend the lease" suggests prolonging the existing lease agreement. The appropriate choice depends on whether the terms are being renegotiated or simply continued.

What's the difference between "to renew" and "to refresh"?

"To renew" often implies a formal or official process of making something valid again, such as "to renew a license". "To refresh", on the other hand, typically means to revitalize or invigorate, such as "to refresh a website".