was refurbished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was refurbished" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been restored or renovated, typically referring to objects like furniture, buildings, or equipment. Example: "The old theater was refurbished to include modern amenities while preserving its historic charm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was refurbished and immediately let.

The Guardian

The kitchen was refurbished with stainless-steel GE appliances.

The New York Times

The 1930s Westgate shopping arcade was refurbished this summer.

The Guardian - Travel

The house was refurbished about 25 years ago.

The New York Times - Travel

The fountain on landmark Fountain Square was refurbished.

The New York Times

After decades of disuse, the carillon was refurbished 20 years ago, when bells were added.

Princeton University

After reaching East 63rd Street, it was refurbished and shipped to Indianapolis for another project.

The New York Times

It was refurbished after 2001 as a symbol of hope in the future.

The Economist

The ivy-clad stone exterior was refurbished in 2010, and the bathrooms were renovated in 2005.

The New York Times

The rest was refurbished in pastel colors and with rustic furnishings.

The New York Times

It was refurbished for the 1990 World Cup and renamed "Artemio Franchi," or simply Franchi Stadium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was refurbished", specify what aspects of the object or space were improved or restored to provide more context for the reader.

Common error

Don't simply state that something "was refurbished" without indicating the extent or nature of the improvements. Provide specific details to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was refurbished" functions as a passive voice verb phrase, indicating that an object or space received the action of refurbishment. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

32%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was refurbished" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe the restoration and improvement of an item or space. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in English, particularly in news, wiki articles, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, be specific about the nature of the improvements to provide clarity. While alternatives like "was renovated" or "was restored" exist, "was refurbished" offers a balanced, general term suitable for various contexts. Overall, it's a reliable choice for conveying renewal and enhanced condition in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was renovated

Implies a more extensive overhaul, often involving structural changes or significant updates.

was restored

Suggests returning something to its original condition, often with historical or aesthetic considerations.

was upgraded

Focuses on improving functionality or performance, often by adding new features or technologies.

was remodeled

Indicates a change in the design or layout, often for aesthetic or functional purposes.

was overhauled

Suggests a complete and thorough repair or renovation, often involving mechanical or technical systems.

was revamped

Implies a modernization or refresh, often to give something a more contemporary look or feel.

was renewed

Focuses on restoring freshness or vitality, often by replacing worn or damaged components.

was modernized

Implies bringing something up to current standards, often by incorporating new technologies or design trends.

was repaired and updated

Combines the idea of fixing damage with improving functionality or features.

was given a facelift

A more informal way of saying that something was cosmetically improved or updated.

FAQs

How can I use "was refurbished" in a sentence?

You can use "was refurbished" to describe something that has been restored or renovated. For example: "The old building "was refurbished" to its original glory".

What are some alternatives to saying "was refurbished"?

Alternatives include phrases like "was renovated", "was restored", or "was upgraded", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "was refurbished" or "was renovated"?

The choice depends on the context. "Was refurbished" generally implies restoring something to a better condition, while "was renovated" suggests making significant changes or updates. Both "was refurbished" and "was renovated" are correct.

What does it mean when something "was refurbished"?

It means that the item or place has been cleaned, repaired, and often improved to bring it back to a good or even better condition. It suggests an enhancement in appearance or functionality.