a big improvement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a big improvement' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe any situation in which there has been a noticeable, impressive, and significant shift in the quality or quantity of something. For example, "The new software update was a big improvement. It made the program run much faster and smoother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

These figures are still quite low but nonetheless a big improvement on a decade ago.

The Guardian

That is a big improvement.

The Economist

It's not a big improvement.

Independent

It's a big improvement.

The Guardian

We've seen a big improvement".

The New York Times

"This is a big improvement".

The New York Times

"This year it showed a big improvement".

The New York Times - Tech

Anyway, it was a big improvement.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But it would take a big improvement in the economy.

The New Yorker

But democracy is still a big improvement over dictatorship.

Huffington Post

However, Eriksson said the club's owners want a big improvement.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big improvement", ensure that you specify what exactly has improved and, if possible, quantify the extent of the improvement for greater impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a big improvement" when the change is marginal or barely noticeable. Overstating the improvement can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big improvement" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or object complement. It describes something that has become better or more desirable, frequently appearing in contexts where enhancements or progress are discussed, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a big improvement" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a significant positive change. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability across various contexts, especially in news and media. When using the phrase, remember to specify what exactly has improved and quantify the degree of improvement when possible. While versatile, avoid overstating the improvement to maintain credibility. Consider alternatives like "a major advancement" or "a significant leap" depending on the nuance you want to convey. The phrase is generally neutral in register, fitting well in both professional and informal settings, but may need adjusting for highly formal or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major advancement

Suggests a more critical or impactful level of progress.

a marked step forward

Highlights progress, but with a focus on clear, noticeable advancement.

a significant leap

Emphasizes a more substantial degree of advancement.

a substantial upgrade

Implies that something has been enhanced or updated to a better version.

a considerable gain

Focuses on the positive outcome or benefit achieved.

a giant stride

Suggests a substantial and impactful step forward.

a positive transformation

Highlights a beneficial change in form, nature, or appearance.

a quantum leap

Implies a significant and abrupt advancement.

a sea change

Indicates a profound or transformative shift.

a world of difference

Highlights the magnitude of the change.

FAQs

How can I use "a big improvement" in a sentence?

You can use "a big improvement" to describe a significant positive change, like in the sentence "The new software update is "a big improvement" over the previous version".

What are some alternatives to saying "a big improvement"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a major advancement", "a significant leap", or "a marked step forward".

Is it more appropriate to say "a great improvement" or "a big improvement"?

Both "a great improvement" and "a big improvement" are acceptable. The choice depends on the desired emphasis, with "big" often suggesting a more noticeable change.

What's the difference between "a slight improvement" and "a big improvement"?

"A slight improvement" indicates a small, often barely noticeable, positive change, while "a big improvement" suggests a substantial and clearly evident positive change.