Grammar fix
spruce up
make more attractive
To make something look fresher or smarter by repairing it or adding attractive details.
phrasal verb
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
We spruced up the spare room before my parents came to stay.
We spruced up our balcony with a few plants and some outdoor lights, so now we actually use it in the evenings.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: They spruced up it before the guests arrived.
Say: They spruced it up before the guests arrived.
Put a pronoun between 'spruce' and 'up': 'spruce it up'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Make something look nicer
How strikingSmall improvementBold effect
spruce upYou're here · Give something a fresher, smarter appearance.
dress upAdd attractive details to something otherwise fairly plain.jazz upCasual: add colour or details for a livelier appearance.