a major improvement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major improvement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing significant progress or enhancements in a particular area or subject. Example: "The new software update resulted in a major improvement in system performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a major improvement over teleconferencing.

The New York Times

"It's a major improvement," she says.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This national curriculum isn't perfect, but it's a major improvement.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is a major improvement over what they get today".

The New York Times

He called the plate a major improvement over the pyramid.

The New York Times - Health

"This is a major improvement in the equation," Garth says.

The New York Times - Science

However, a major improvement in the pharmacotherapy is still awaited.

Current Opinion in Pharmacology

Both Washington and Beijing have made clear that they seek a major improvement in their relationship.

The New York Times

"Talkie Walkie" (Astralwerks) is a major improvement, the band's best outing since "Moon Safari".

The New York Times - Arts

"The place is what it is, but it's a major improvement".

The New York Times

"This is a major improvement and S.A.D.C. has acquitted itself relatively well," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the extent of the improvement, consider adding quantifiable data or specific examples to strengthen your claim. For instance, "The new engine boasts 'a major improvement' in fuel efficiency, reducing consumption by 20%."

Common error

Avoid using "a major improvement" for minor or incremental changes. Ensure the improvement is truly substantial and impactful to justify the strong wording.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major improvement" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it describes something that has become significantly better. It highlights a positive change or advancement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a major improvement" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe a significant positive change or advancement. According to Ludwig AI, its versatility allows for usage across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. Alternative phrases like "a significant advancement" or "a substantial upgrade" can be used to convey similar meanings. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure the improvement is substantial and quantifiable, avoiding overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advancement

Focuses on the progress made, emphasizing the degree of advancement.

a substantial upgrade

Implies replacing something with a better version, emphasizing the scale of the upgrade.

a considerable step forward

Highlights movement towards a better state, indicating progress.

a marked enhancement

Emphasizes the noticeable quality of the improvement.

a great leap forward

Suggests a very ambitious and impactful improvement.

a positive transformation

Highlights the beneficial change that has occurred, emphasizing the overall impact.

a quantum leap

Signifies an exceptionally large and sudden improvement.

a sea change

Denotes a fundamental and wide-ranging shift for the better.

a breakthrough

Implies overcoming an obstacle to achieve a significant advancement.

a dramatic turn for the better

Highlights a sudden and significant positive change.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major improvement" to describe a significant positive change. For example, "The new software update represents "a major improvement" in usability."

What can I say instead of "a major improvement"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant advancement", "a substantial upgrade", or "a considerable step forward" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a major improvement over"?

Yes, it's correct. It indicates that something is significantly better than what it was before. For example, "This model is "a major improvement" over the previous version."

What's the difference between "a major improvement" and "a minor improvement"?

"A major improvement" indicates a substantial and impactful positive change, while "a minor improvement" suggests a small and less noticeable enhancement.