What Does โRedo sthโ Mean?
โRedo sthโ means to do something again, often to improve it or correct mistakes.
Introduction
The phrasal verb โredo sthโ is commonly used in English when someone wants to repeat an action or task. It usually implies that the first attempt was not satisfactory or needs improvement. Understanding the โredo sthโ meaning helps learners express the idea of doing something over again clearly and naturally. Whether youโre talking about redoing homework, a project, or a recipe, this phrase is very useful in everyday conversations. It is a simple yet versatile phrasal verb that appears frequently in both spoken and written English.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: redo sth (redo something)
- Type: transitive
- Level: A2โB2
- Short meaning: to do something again, often to improve it
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โRedo sthโ is a separable phrasal verb. The object (something) always comes after โredo.โ You cannot place the object between โreโ and โdo.โ
- Correct: redo the assignment
- Incorrect: re-do the assignment (as two words in phrasal verb form)
- Correct: redo it
- Incorrect: re it do
The verb โredoโ is followed directly by the object. It is always transitive, meaning it needs an object.
How to Use โRedo sthโ?
Use โredo sthโ when you want to say that you or someone else will do a task again. This is often because the first try was wrong, incomplete, or could be better. It is common in school, work, and everyday life.
Examples:
- I need to redo my report because I made some mistakes.
- She decided to redo the painting to make it look nicer.
Examples
When you want to express that a task must be done again, โredo sthโ is the perfect phrase.
- After the teacher gave feedback, I had to redo my essay.
- They will redo the meeting next week to discuss the new plan.
- If you donโt like the design, you can always redo it.
- He redid the test because he didnโt pass the first time.
- We had to redo the decorations after the party was canceled.
These examples show different situations where โredo sthโ fits naturally.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse โredo sthโ with similar verbs or separate the word incorrectly.
- Incorrect: I will re do the homework.
Correct: I will redo the homework. - Incorrect: She wants to do redo the project.
Correct: She wants to redo the project. - Incorrect: Redoing without object is wrong.
Correct: You must redo the task.
Remember, โredoโ is one word and must have an object after it.
Differences / Synonyms
There are other phrasal verbs and phrases similar to โredo sth,โ but they have slight differences.
- Do over: Also means to do again, but more informal. Example: โI did the test over.โ
- Repeat: Means to do something again, often exactly the same way. โRedoโ suggests improvement, โrepeatโ does not.
- Make over: Usually means to change appearance, not just repeat action.
โRedo sthโ focuses on doing something again, typically to improve or fix it.
Common Collocations
โRedoโ is often used with tasks, work, or creative activities. Here are some common objects:
- Redo homework: to do homework again
- Redo a test: to take a test again
- Redo a room: to redecorate or renovate a room
- Redo a design: to create a new version of a design
- Redo a project: to work on a project again
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using โredo sthโ:
Anna: The report has many errors. What should I do?
Mark: You should redo it and check carefully this time.
Anna: Okay, I will redo the report tonight.
Practice
Try to fill in the blanks with the correct form of โredo sthโ:
- I didnโt like my drawing, so I decided to ______ it.
- The teacher asked us to ______ the test because of a mistake.
- Can you ______ the presentation slides before tomorrow?
FAQs
- Q: Is โredoโ the same as โdo againโ?
A: Yes, โredoโ means to do something again, often to improve it. - Q: Can I say โre doโ instead of โredoโ?
A: No, โredoโ is one word and should not be split. - Q: Is โredoโ formal or informal?
A: It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal situations. - Q: Can โredoโ be used without an object?
A: No, โredoโ is transitive and needs an object after it. - Q: What is a synonym for โredoโ?
A: โDo overโ or โrepeatโ can be synonyms depending on context.

