be improved upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be improved upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for enhancement or betterment of a particular idea, process, or product. Example: "The current software version has several features that can be improved upon to enhance user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It cannot be improved upon.

The New York Times - Arts

"Protocols, policies can always be improved upon.

The New York Times

Four majors cannot be improved upon.

The New York Times - Sports

Existing systems cannot always be improved upon, however.

The Economist

I'm going to consider carefully whether they can be improved upon and whether to make representations.

The Guardian

"Of course, anything can be improved upon, and any additional security would be welcomed".

The New York Times

As an image of male rage, impotence and futility, it could hardly be improved upon.

The Guardian - Film

But he added, "It's clear to us that any good proposal can be improved upon".

The New York Times

That lends some credence to the thought that Black's play might well be improved upon.

The New York Times

What part of a sundae can be improved upon in one's own kitchen?

The New York Times

It can surely be improved upon, but the budget is tough and fair.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be improved upon" when you want to emphasize the potential for something to become better, especially after a first iteration or initial attempt. For instance, "The initial prototype can be improved upon with user feedback."

Common error

Avoid using "be improved upon" in situations where you want to suggest that something is already perfect or cannot be made better. Using it in such contexts can sound awkward. For example, instead of saying "This classic recipe cannot be improved upon", consider something like "This classic recipe is already perfect."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be improved upon" functions as a passive construction indicating that something is capable of being enhanced or made better. Ludwig AI examples show it's frequently used when discussing processes, systems, or designs that have the potential for refinement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be improved upon" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something can be made better or more refined. Ludwig AI shows that it is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, and less common in more formal or encyclopedic writing. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is suitable for a variety of registers. It's important to avoid using this phrase when describing something you believe is already perfect, as it implies the potential for enhancement. Alternatives like "be enhanced", "be refined", or "be optimized" can also be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be enhanced

Focuses on elevating or intensifying quality, differing slightly from a general improvement.

be refined

Implies a process of purification or precision, suggesting a more delicate or detailed improvement.

be optimized

Highlights achieving the most efficient or favorable condition, emphasizing functionality.

be upgraded

Suggests raising to a higher standard or level, often involving new features or technology.

be enhanced further

Adds emphasis to continued improvement, denoting that the current state isn't final.

be further developed

Focuses on expansion and growth, typically used for projects or ideas needing elaboration.

be perfected

Implies reaching a state of flawlessness, a complete or ideal state.

be amended

Suggests correction or slight modification, often in formal or legal contexts.

be revised

Focuses on reviewing and altering something, typically a document or plan.

be reformed

Implies a fundamental change or restructuring, often to improve behavior or systems.

FAQs

How can I use "be improved upon" in a sentence?

You can use "be improved upon" to indicate that something has the potential to be made better. For example, "The current design can be improved upon with some adjustments", or "The existing system has areas that can be improved upon."

What are some alternatives to "be improved upon"?

Some alternatives include "be enhanced", "be refined", or "be optimized" depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "can be improved" or "can be improved upon"?

Both "can be improved" and "can be improved upon" are grammatically correct. The addition of "upon" slightly emphasizes the potential for further refinement or development. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the desired level of emphasis.

Can perfection be improved upon, and how does that relate to using the phrase in general?

The concept of improving upon perfection is paradoxical. While theoretically, perfection is the highest achievable state, in practice, even seemingly perfect things can be refined or adapted to new circumstances. Using "be improved upon" in this context acknowledges the possibility of adaptation rather than a fundamental flaw.