What Does “Redo sth” Mean?
“Redo sth” means to do something again, often to improve it or correct mistakes.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “redo sth” 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 “redo sth” meaning helps learners express the idea of doing something over again clearly and naturally. Whether you’re 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: A2–B2
- Short meaning: to do something again, often to improve it
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Redo sth” is a separable phrasal verb. The object (something) always comes after “redo.” You cannot place the object between “re” and “do.”
- 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 “redo” is followed directly by the object. It is always transitive, meaning it needs an object.
How to Use “Redo sth”?
Use “redo sth” 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, “redo sth” 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 don’t like the design, you can always redo it.
- He redid the test because he didn’t pass the first time.
- We had to redo the decorations after the party was canceled.
These examples show different situations where “redo sth” fits naturally.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse “redo sth” 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, “redo” is one word and must have an object after it.
Differences / Synonyms
There are other phrasal verbs and phrases similar to “redo sth,” but they have slight differences.
- Do over: Also means to do again, but more informal. Example: “I did the test over.”
- Repeat: Means to do something again, often exactly the same way. “Redo” suggests improvement, “repeat” does not.
- Make over: Usually means to change appearance, not just repeat action.
“Redo sth” focuses on doing something again, typically to improve or fix it.
Common Collocations
“Redo” 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 “redo sth”:
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 “redo sth”:
- I didn’t 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 “redo” the same as “do again”?
A: Yes, “redo” means to do something again, often to improve it. - Q: Can I say “re do” instead of “redo”?
A: No, “redo” is one word and should not be split. - Q: Is “redo” formal or informal?
A: It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal situations. - Q: Can “redo” be used without an object?
A: No, “redo” is transitive and needs an object after it. - Q: What is a synonym for “redo”?
A: “Do over” or “repeat” can be synonyms depending on context.
