boost something

USAGE SUMMARY

"boost something" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of increasing something. For example, "We need to boost our sales figures this month".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The same research revealed that if digital businesses were encouraged to develop to their full potential, the UK economy could receive a £92m boost, something that would be much needed after the recent free fall of sterling post-EU referendum results.

The Guardian

Instead, in this age of efficiency above all else, corporate climbers sometimes seek a simple brain boost, something to help them to get the job done without manic jitters or a nasty crash.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Boosting something this conspicuous says immaturity and impulsivity," Milo says about the theft of a Bentley at the start of "Compulsion".

The New York Times - Books

The association with the National has been a huge boost to Crabbie's, and it will not be a sign of failure or disappointment on either side if, from 2017, it boosts something else instead.

The Guardian - Sport

But there's still plenty of scope for using technology to boost performance – something that rival athletes might have to embrace if they're to challenge the lightning Bolt.

The Guardian

You won't start feeling better until your body catches up with you, so give it a boost with something salty and something sweet.

WikiHow

MARIO DRAGHI understands that to stave off deflation, the ECB must not only reverse the steady diminution of its balance sheet, but boost it by something in the order of €1 trillion over the next few years.

The Economist

That's led to companies "really holding the line on prices to boost sales" -- something they can do profitably "in part because labor costs are so restrained".

Huffington Post

If you don't understand something, boost your knowledge (and social skills) by asking a friendly classmate or fellow employee.

WikiHow

Whether you're after a quiet area or something that will boost your social network, there's something for all needs, personalities and budgets.

Independent

This team is looking for something and we hope it's the start of something to boost us.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "boost something" when you want to convey the idea of giving a quick or significant increase to a specific aspect or quality. For example, "to boost morale" or "to boost sales".

Common error

Avoid using "boost" when a more nuanced term like "develop", "enhance", or "cultivate" is more appropriate. "Boost" suggests a rapid, often temporary, increase, while other terms imply gradual or sustained improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "boost something" functions as a transitive verb phrase, where "boost" acts as the verb taking a direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "boost something" is a versatile phrase used to convey the action of increasing or enhancing a particular thing or attribute. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. While it is suitable for various contexts, considering the nuances of formality is advisable in specific writing environments. Alternatives like "enhance something" or "improve something" can offer more precise connotations depending on the intended meaning. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, reflecting its broad usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enhance something

Replaces "boost" with "enhance", focusing on improving the quality or value of something.

improve something

Uses "improve" instead of "boost", suggesting a general betterment of something.

increase something

Emphasizes making something larger or more numerous.

strengthen something

Focuses on making something more robust or resilient.

amplify something

Highlights the increase in intensity or effect of something.

intensify something

Suggests making something stronger or more concentrated.

augment something

Implies adding to something to enhance it.

develop something

Focuses on growing or expanding something over time.

stimulate something

Highlights encouraging activity or growth in something.

elevate something

Implies raising something to a higher level or status.

FAQs

How can I use "boost something" in a sentence?

You can use "boost something" to indicate an increase or improvement. For example, "The company is looking for ways to boost employee morale" or "This new feature will boost user engagement".

What are some alternatives to "boost something"?

Alternatives include "enhance something", "improve something", or "strengthen something", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "boost something" in formal writing?

While "boost something" is generally acceptable, consider whether a more formal term like "augment something" or "optimize something" might be more suitable for academic or business contexts.

What's the difference between "boost something" and "improve something"?

"Boost something" often implies a quicker, more immediate increase, while "improve something" suggests a more gradual and sustained betterment.