Review vs Revue: Which Spelling Is Right?
A review is an assessment. A revue is a variety show.
A book review. A satirical revue.
The test that settles it
The French spelling is the theatrical one. If it is not on a stage, it is review.
“a five-star ___” → an assessment, so review.
“a musical ___” → a stage show, so revue.
Review: an assessment or re-examination
A critical appraisal, a formal reconsideration, or the act of going over something again. Also a verb. This is the word you want almost every time.
The film got glowing reviews.
The policy is under review.
She reviewed her notes.
Is something being judged or gone over again? Then review.
Revue: a variety show
A theatrical entertainment made of short sketches, songs and dances, often satirical. A specialist word, borrowed from French and never used as a verb.
A wartime revue at the Palladium.
The students staged a comic revue.
A late-night satirical revue.
Is it a stage show with sketches? Then revue.
Side by side
| Review | Revue |
|---|---|
| An assessment | A variety show |
| Noun and verb | Noun only |
| Everyday word | Theatrical term |
| A restaurant review | A comic revue |
The exception
You can review a revue. You cannot revue anything. If a verb is needed, the spelling is settled.
Where people get it wrong
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Please revue the draft. | Please review the draft. | A verb. |
| a customer revue | a customer review | An assessment. |
| The theatre staged a review. | The theatre staged a revue. | A stage show. |
| under revue by the committee | under review by the committee | Reconsideration. |
Practice — choose the right word, then check yourself.
- The paper published a harsh ___.
- The drama society put on a ___.
- Salaries are under ___ this quarter.
- She ___ the figures before the meeting.
- A satirical ___ ran for two nights.
Show the answers
1. review 2. revue 3. review 4. reviewed 5. revue
Frequently asked
How is revue pronounced?
Identically to review: ri-VYOO. Only the spelling separates them.
Which is far more common?
Review, overwhelmingly. If you are unsure, it is almost certainly the one you want.
More words people confuse
