can be improved

USAGE SUMMARY

'can be improved' is an entirely correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has room for improvement, or to express the idea that something has the potential to be improved. For example, "The cost-cutting measures implemented over the last two years have helped, but team efficiency can be improved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Obviously, anything can be improved.

The New York Times

Every meal can be improved.

Independent

Terms can be improved for new migrants.

The New York Times

But the bill can be improved.

The Guardian

No doubt it can be improved.

The Guardian - Opinion

Are there things that can be improved?

The Guardian - Business

Maybe they can be improved [a little].

The Guardian - Sport

Still, the broth can be improved.

The New York Times - Food

We all know the body can be improved.

The New York Times - Science

Maybe in 30 years it can be improved".

The New York Times

It streamlines how patients care can be improved.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be improved" when suggesting enhancements in a constructive manner. Frame it as an opportunity rather than a criticism.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "the process can be improved" without providing concrete suggestions or areas for improvement. Instead, specify how the process "can be streamlined" or made more efficient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be improved" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the potential for enhancement or modification. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. This passive construction suggests that something has the capacity to be made better.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be improved" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to suggest that something has the potential for enhancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific writing. While commonly used, it's important to provide specific suggestions rather than making vague statements. Alternatives like "has room for improvement" or "could be enhanced" can be used for variety. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "can be improved" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has room for improvement

Emphasizes that there is space or potential for making something better.

could be enhanced

Highlights the possibility of making something more effective or valuable.

can be optimized

Focuses on making something as functional or effective as possible.

is amenable to enhancement

Indicates that something is receptive to being improved.

is susceptible to refinement

Suggests that something can be made more subtle or precise.

can be modified for better results

Specifies that changes can lead to improved outcomes.

allows for further development

Indicates the possibility of future progress or expansion.

remains a work in progress

Implies that something is still under development and open to changes.

presents opportunities for advancement

Highlights the potential for growth and progress.

is not yet perfect

States directly that something has imperfections that could be addressed.

FAQs

How to use "can be improved" in a sentence?

You can use "can be improved" to suggest enhancements. For instance, "While the initial design is functional, it "can be refined" for better user experience".

What can I say instead of "can be improved"?

Alternatives include "has room for improvement", "could be enhanced", or "can be optimized" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be improved" or "can improved"?

"Can be improved" is the correct form. "Can" requires a verb in its base form, and the passive voice construction requires "be" + past participle. "Can improved" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "can be improved" and "should be improved"?

"Can be improved" suggests the possibility or potential for improvement, whereas "should be improved" implies a stronger necessity or recommendation for improvement. "Can" indicates possibility, "should" indicates obligation.