to overhaul

[dilodi83]

1) I had my car overhauled today.
2) I think you should overhaul your essay...there are too many mistakes.
3) Why don't you overhaul your way of teaching?


Is it "to overhaul" possible in these three contexts?

[SoothingDave]

I don't commonly see this word used figuratively. If you were to overhaul something, it would need to be a massive, complete change in the way something works.

We might talk of a nation's tax system or social benefits being overhauled, but not about an essay.

[dilodi83]

I don't commonly see this word used figuratively. If you were to overhaul something, it would need to be a massive, complete change in the way something works.

We might talk of a nation's tax system or social benefits being overhauled, but not about an essay.

ANd what verb should be used instead of "to overhaul"?

[SoothingDave]

You would rewrite or revise and essay.

[BobK]

You would rewrite or revise an essay.

- though, in Br English, 'overhaul' is used with reference to mechanics - though often as a noun: 'The car needs a complete overhaul.'

b

[SoothingDave]

- though, in Br English, 'overhaul' is used with reference to mechanics - though often as a noun: 'The car needs a complete overhaul.'

b

Yes, here, too. That would be the "non-figurative" meaning.

[BobK]

Sorry - missed that.

b