to spice things up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to spice things up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to suggest adding excitement or variety to a situation or activity. Example: "To make our weekly meetings more engaging, we decided to spice things up with interactive activities."

✓ 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

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

The New York Times

With Czech cuisine known for its mellow flavors, neither restaurant wanted to spice things up too much.

The New York Times

I decided to add a chile pepper to the beans, just to spice things up a little.

The New York Times - Health

However, the Moores have decided to spice things up a bit - by moving house - in Berkshire, home of the floods.

The Guardian - Music

To spice things up, he transforms his classroom into a mini-dictatorship, complete with calisthenics, uniforms, a snazzy logo and a vaguely sleazy salute.

The New York Times

Horschel said he wanted to keep it a surprise, though he did acknowledge that he had plans to "spice things up".

The New York Times - Sports

To spice things up a bit?

BBC

With increased competition, chefs are finding that "concept" dining is yet another way to spice things up (pun intended).

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to spice things up" when you want to suggest adding excitement, interest, or variety to a situation or activity. It's a versatile phrase applicable to many contexts, from cooking to relationships to professional settings.

Common error

While "to spice things up" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary that conveys a similar meaning, such as "enhance", "invigorate", or "diversify".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to spice things up" functions as an idiomatic expression. It introduces the idea of making something more interesting, exciting, or flavorful. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

24%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Forbes

2%

The New York Times - Arts

2%

The New Yorker

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to spice things up" is a versatile and commonly used idiom that suggests adding excitement, variety, or interest to a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely understood. While suitable for most contexts, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Alternatives such as "liven things up" or "add zest" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating its broad applicability. Overall, "to spice things up" is a handy and effective way to express the desire to make something more engaging or enjoyable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to liven things up

Focuses more on making something more lively or animated.

to add some zest

Emphasizes adding flavor or enthusiasm.

to add a kick

Implies adding a strong, sudden burst of excitement or flavor.

to inject some fun

Highlights the addition of amusement or enjoyment.

to shake things up

Suggests making significant changes to create excitement or disrupt routine.

to add some flair

Focuses on adding style or panache.

to perk things up

Highlights making something more cheerful or energetic.

to put a spin on things

Suggests offering a fresh or novel perspective.

to jazz things up

Emphasizes making something more lively and attractive.

to give it some oomph

Implies adding energy and vitality.

FAQs

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

You can use "to spice things up" to suggest adding excitement or variety. For example, "We decided to add some new games to "to spice things up" during the party."

What are some alternatives to "to spice things up"?

Alternatives include "to liven things up", "to add some zest", or "to inject some fun", depending on the context.

Is "to spice things up" appropriate for formal writing?

While widely understood, "to spice things up" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "enhance" or "invigorate".

What does it mean to "spice things up" in a relationship?

In the context of a relationship, "to spice things up" often means to introduce new activities, experiences, or intimacy to "to liven the relationship" and maintain interest and excitement.