to update them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to update them' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that needs to be changed or made current. For example, "We need to review our regulations and to update them to reflect any changes in our policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It plans to update them to ones from 2008.

The Economist

Be sure to update them on any new academic accolades.

The New York Times

If they do, use the Device Manager to update them.

The Guardian - Tech

Also on Monday, the union held a conference call with agents to update them on negotiations.

The New York Times - Sports

They set up a follow-up meeting with Andreessen Horowitz to update them on their progress.

The New York Times

We continue to meet regularly with the Department for Transport to update them on progress".

The Guardian - Money

Many of the Mets relied on Wilson to update them throughout the previous 24 hours.

The New York Times - Sports

But fashion shouldn't just be about old favorites and an attempt to update them.

The New York Times

If you want to value things from the past, you have to update them so they apply to today".

Independent

On Tuesday Deighton said police asked to meet Brooks and his solicitor to update them on the Lawrence murder investigation.

The Guardian

The players had a conference call Thursday evening with the named plaintiffs in the antitrust suit — likely to update them on where negotiations stood.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to update them", ensure the pronoun 'them' has a clear and unambiguous antecedent in your sentence to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "to update them" without specifying what "them" refers to. Always provide context so readers understand what is being updated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to update them" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as an object of a verb or part of a larger clause expressing purpose or intent. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it commonly indicates an action directed towards revising or modernizing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to update them" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that signifies making something current or providing new information. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase emphasizes revision, modernization, or informing, as demonstrated by numerous examples. It's crucial to ensure the pronoun 'them' has a clear antecedent to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "to revise them" or "to bring them up to date" can be used for nuanced meaning. Given its clarity, wide applicability, and consistent usage, the phrase holds a solid position in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to revise them

Focuses on improving or correcting something, rather than simply making it current.

to bring them up to date

Emphasizes making something current after it has fallen behind.

to modernize them

Highlights making something more contemporary in style or function.

to keep them informed

Emphasizes an ongoing process of providing updates.

to refresh them

Suggests a lighter update, focusing on revitalizing something.

to upgrade them

Suggests improving functionality or performance.

to inform them

Emphasizes providing new information, rather than necessarily changing existing content.

to advise them

Focuses on giving guidance or recommendations.

to notify them

Stresses the act of formally informing someone.

to brief them

Highlights providing a concise summary of information.

FAQs

How can I use "to update them" in a sentence?

You can use "to update them" when you want to indicate the act of making something current or providing the latest information. For example, "The manual is outdated, so we need "to update them"."

What is a good alternative to "to update them"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to revise them", "to bring them up to date", or "to modernize them", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "to update them"?

Yes, "to update them" is grammatically correct. It's an infinitive phrase where "update" is the verb and "them" is the object. However, always ensure the pronoun "them" has a clear referent.

When should I use "to inform them" instead of "to update them"?

Use "to inform them" when your primary goal is to provide new information, whereas "to update them" implies modifying or refreshing existing information.