update

USAGE SUMMARY

"update" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to the act of bringing something up to date, making it more current or modern, or giving additional information or news about something. Example sentence: I will update you on the project's progress next week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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The Guardian

The order book was down slightly at £3.6bn from the last update in June but well ahead of the £3.3bn reported this time last year.

The Guardian - Business

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The Guardian

Well, Wednesday's update from Lord Wolfson at Next was certainly optimistic (at least by his standards) in that he forecast "some recovery in the consumer environment" by the second quarter of next year.

The Guardian - Business

I believe we're going to have to be thoughtful about security and how we update those products to make sure we're covered against the most recent threats," says Kovacs.

The Guardian - Tech

Compatibility for the CarPlay system will be made available via an iOS 7 software update at a later date.

The Guardian - Tech

My update hit a nerve with every friend from my age group and I was inundated with platitudes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In his latest update he said the death of a 22-year-old from Egypt increases the deathtoll to 508.

The Guardian

Even companies such as Google and Facebook, which can update their products silently (Google updates its search algorithm more than once a day, on average), are cautious about making obvious changes.

The Guardian - Tech

Phones 4u will update its staff at meetings in store and at its headquarters on Monday, and BC insisted: "Employees will continue to be paid until further notice".

The Guardian - Business

On the opening, title track, his central chorus line is a breathtaking update of her ruminations – hope and longing swing upward, are briefly lit, and then pad softly down into a dim world of inner brooding.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "update" as a verb, be specific about what you are updating and the purpose of the update. For example, "Update the software to improve security" is more effective than simply "Update the software."

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "The system was updated" without specifying who performed the update. Instead, use active voice: "The IT team updated the system."

Linguistic Context

The word "update" functions primarily as a verb, signifying the act of making something current or providing the latest information. It also serves as a noun, referring to new or more current information itself. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this dual functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Tech

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "update" is a versatile term functioning as both a verb and a noun, widely used to describe the act of bringing something current or new information itself. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across numerous contexts, primarily in news, business, and technical domains. It carries a neutral to professional tone, suitable for formal and informal communications. When using "update", ensure clarity by specifying what is being updated and why, avoiding passive voice. Consider alternatives like "modernize" or "inform" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring up to date

Focuses on making something current; more verbose.

modernize

Implies making something more current with newer technology or trends.

refresh

Suggests a renewal or revitalization of something.

upgrade

Implies improving something to a higher standard.

inform

Focuses on conveying knowledge or news.

advise

Similar to inform, but often suggests guidance or a recommendation.

notify

Emphasizes the act of giving formal notice.

report

Suggests a detailed account of something.

fill in

To provide missing information.

give the latest information

Explicitly refers to providing the most recent details.

FAQs

How can I use "update" in a sentence?

You can use "update" as a verb to mean bringing something up to date or as a noun to refer to new information. For example, "I need to "update" my software" or "Here's an "update" on the project's progress".

What are some alternatives to the word "update"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "modernize", "refresh", "upgrade", or "inform".

What's the difference between "update" and "upgrade"?

"Update" generally means bringing something to a more current state, while "upgrade" implies improving something to a higher level or standard. An "update" might include bug fixes, while an "upgrade" might involve new features or enhanced performance.

How often should I "update" my software or devices?

It is generally recommended to "update" your software and devices as soon as updates are available, especially for security patches. Regularly updating helps protect against vulnerabilities and ensures optimal performance.