to revitalize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to revitalize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of restoring vitality, energy, or life to something, such as a community, project, or organization. Example: "The new park initiative aims to revitalize the downtown area, making it more attractive to residents and visitors alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We've got to revitalize American democracy".

The New Yorker

This might give them a chance to revitalize engagement".

The New York Times

The first is to revitalize its home page.

The New Yorker

Now a movement is afoot to revitalize the derelict sites.

The New York Times - Travel

It is important to revitalize the democratic structure itself".

The New York Times

"The challenge now is to revitalize education-based mobility".

The New Yorker

"You use wind to revitalize the Rust Belt.

The New York Times

Hackett was hired in 1986 to revitalize their passing game.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're working to revitalize the North Bellport area," she said.

The New York Times

"We want to revitalize the area," Mr. Crecca said.

The New York Times

Barneys is also moving to revitalize its Manhattan flagship.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "To revitalize" implies bringing something back to life or restoring its vigor, which may not be the best fit if you simply mean to improve or enhance.

Common error

Avoid using "to revitalize" when simply indicating improvement or enhancement. This term specifically suggests restoring lost vitality. Opt for words like "improve" or "enhance" if the subject isn't in a state of decline.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to revitalize" functions primarily as a verbal, often acting as part of the infinitive of purpose. It explains why an action is performed. Ludwig contains many examples showing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to revitalize" is a versatile and commonly used infinitive phrase that expresses the intention of restoring vitality, energy, or effectiveness to something. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While alternatives like "to rejuvenate" or "to reinvigorate" exist, "to revitalize" is a solid choice when aiming to convey the idea of bringing something back to a healthier, more active state. Be mindful not to overuse it as a general improvement term, but rather reserve it for situations where something genuinely needs to be brought back to life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to rejuvenate

Focuses more on restoring youthfulness or vigor.

to regenerate

Implies a more complete renewal or regrowth.

to reinvigorate

Emphasizes restoring energy and enthusiasm.

to renew

Suggests restoring something to its original condition.

to revive

Focuses on bringing something back from a near-dormant state.

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Highlights increasing activity, production, or success.

to stimulate

Emphasizes encouraging growth or activity.

to refresh

Suggests a lighter form of renewal, like a mental or physical break.

to energize

Focuses on filling with energy and enthusiasm.

to rehabilitate

Specifically implies restoring something to a good condition, after damage.

FAQs

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

Use "to revitalize" when you want to express the idea of restoring something to a healthier, more active, or more vigorous state. For example, "The city council has a plan "to revitalize" the downtown area".

What are some alternatives to "to revitalize"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to rejuvenate", "to regenerate", "to reinvigorate", or "to renew".

Is it appropriate to use "to revitalize" in formal writing?

Yes, "to revitalize" is suitable for formal writing. As shown by Ludwig, the expression is found in reputable news sources, academic papers and encyclopedias.

What's the difference between "to revitalize" and "to renovate"?

"To renovate" typically means to repair or improve a building, while "to revitalize" means to imbue something with new life or vitality. For example, you might renovate a house, but you would revitalize a community.