redo
B1Neutral (common in both casual and formal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To do something again, typically to improve or correct it.
To undertake a new version, renovation, or complete overhaul of a task, piece of work, or physical space.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a conscious repetition for a better outcome; can range from minor correction (redo a calculation) to major overhaul (redo a kitchen). The noun form 'redo' (e.g., 'give it a redo') is informal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is virtually identical. The hyphenated form 're-do' is occasionally seen in both varieties but is less common.
Connotations
Identical. Both imply correction or improvement.
Frequency
Equally common and natural in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[redo + NP (noun phrase)]: redo the experiment[redo + NP + AdvP (adverbial phrase)]: redo the kitchen completelyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Back to the drawing board (implies a redo from scratch)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common in project management: 'The client wants us to redo the proposal.'
Academic
Used for experiments, assignments, or calculations: 'The results were anomalous, so we had to redo the trial.'
Everyday
Frequent in domestic/DIY contexts: 'We're redoing the bathroom this summer.'
Technical
Used in computing/graphics: 'Redo the last action (Ctrl+Y).'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We'll have to redo the whole assignment.
- The decorator is coming to redo the lounge.
American English
- I need to redo my tax return.
- They decided to completely redo the website.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; 'redo' does not function as an adverb)
American English
- (Not standard)
adjective
British English
- It was a redo attempt that finally succeeded.
- (Note: Attributive use 'a redo attempt' is informal)
American English
- She gave the project a redo effort over the weekend.
- (Informal)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My homework was messy, so I redid it.
- The chef had to redo the pizza.
- If you make a mistake, you can just redo that part.
- We are planning to redo the garden next spring.
- The software update failed, forcing us to redo the installation from scratch.
- After the negative feedback, the team resolved to redo the marketing campaign.
- The study's methodology was deemed flawed, necessitating a complete redo of the data analysis.
- The architect presented plans to redo the building's façade while preserving its historical character.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a painter saying, 'That colour is wrong, I must RE-DO it.' The prefix RE- means 'again'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CORRECTION IS GOING BACK AND TAKING A NEW PATH.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'делать снова', which can be vague. 'Redo' specifically implies 'переделать' — doing again to *correct or improve*.
- Don't confuse with 'remake' (переснять фильм) or 'repair' (починить).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I redo it yesterday.' (Correct: 'I *redid* it yesterday.')
- Incorrect overuse: Using 'redo' for simple repetition without the aim of improvement (e.g., 'I redo my morning run' sounds odd).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'redo' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The past tense is 'redid'. The past participle is 'redone'.
It is neutral and acceptable in formal writing (e.g., 'redo an experiment'). The noun 'a redo' is more informal.
'Repeat' is neutral, meaning to do again. 'Redo' implies the first attempt was unsatisfactory and the repetition aims to correct or improve it.
Yes, but it's informal (e.g., 'Let's give it a redo'). In formal contexts, use 'revision', 'repetition', or 'new attempt'.