an improvement

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been made better. For example: "This new version of the software is an improvement on the old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Entrees were an improvement.

The New York Times

rarely sees an improvement.

Independent

Others see an improvement.

The Economist

That was an improvement.

The Economist

It's an improvement.

The New Yorker

Will it be an improvement?

The Economist

That wasn't an improvement, however.

The New Yorker

"Something seemed like an improvement".

The New Yorker

"Has there been an improvement?

The Economist

It's hardly an improvement.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is an improvement.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an improvement", specify what is being improved upon to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "an improvement" without clearly stating what the subject of improvement is. For example, instead of saying "The new system is an improvement", specify "The new system is an improvement over the previous one in terms of efficiency".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an improvement" functions as a noun phrase indicating a positive change or advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for describing something that has been made better. It highlights progress from a previous state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an improvement" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote a positive change or advancement. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in written English. It is prevalent in news, business, and general contexts. For enhanced clarity, it's best to specify the subject of the improvement. Alternatives like "a step forward" or "an advancement" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an advancement

Focuses on the progressive nature of the change, often in technology or knowledge.

a step forward

Emphasizes the idea of progress and advancement from a previous state.

a marked enhancement

Highlights the noticeable and significant degree of improvement.

a positive development

Highlights the favorable nature of the change or progress.

an upgrade

Implies that something has been enhanced to a higher level or standard.

a turn for the better

Suggests a change from a negative situation to a more positive one.

a leap forward

Emphasizes a significant and substantial advancement.

a refinement

Indicates a subtle but beneficial change made to something.

a progression

Highlights the sequential and gradual nature of the positive change.

a boost

Suggests a significant and positive impact or effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "an improvement" to indicate a positive change or advancement. For example, "The new software is "an improvement" over the old version".

What can I say instead of "an improvement"?

You can use alternatives like "a step forward", "a positive development", or "an advancement" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an improvement" or "a improvement"?

"An improvement" is correct because the word "improvement" starts with a vowel sound, so it requires the indefinite article "an".

What's the difference between "an improvement" and "some improvement"?

"An improvement" refers to a specific positive change, whereas "some improvement" suggests a general or unspecified degree of betterment.