can be improved upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be improved upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has the potential for enhancement or betterment. Example: "The current design of the website is functional, but it can be improved upon to enhance user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

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

Brown remains hopeful the model can be improved upon when it reaches parliament.

The Guardian

It is also a tool – one that can be improved upon – to turn our individual weaknesses into a common strength.

The Guardian - Opinion

"And anytime we lose somebody, we are certainly going to look at what can be improved upon.

The New York Times

First run-throughs are inevitably going to have aspects that go well and some things that can be improved upon.

Harvard Business Review

We also identify the most effective practices in the kitchen, as well as ones that can be improved upon.

University of California, Berkeley

They wonder why things work the way they do and whether those things can be improved upon.

The New York Times

"I think it's a good campaign, but every campaign can be improved upon," said Tom Gresham, a Church's franchisee with stores in Mississippi and Arkansas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be improved upon", follow it with a specific suggestion or area for improvement to provide context and direction. For example, "The user interface can be improved upon by simplifying the navigation menu."

Common error

Avoid using "can be improved upon" as a generic statement without indicating how or where the improvement can be made. Instead, provide actionable insights to make the feedback constructive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be improved upon" functions as a passive construction indicating potential for enhancement. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase highlights that something, be it a process, a design, or a skill, has the ability to be made better or more effective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be improved upon" is a versatile phrase used to suggest that something has the potential to be enhanced or refined. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable across various fields. It serves as a neutral way to offer constructive feedback. While it's common across domains like News & Media, Science, and Academia, remember that this phrase is most effective when paired with specific recommendations for improvement to avoid vagueness and maximize impact. Consider alternatives like "can be enhanced" or "has room for improvement" to adjust the nuance as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be enhanced

Focuses on making something better, emphasizing enhancement rather than just improvement.

can be refined

Suggests a more subtle and precise improvement, focusing on detail.

can be optimized

Highlights making something more efficient or effective.

has room for improvement

A more explicit way of saying that something isn't perfect and needs work.

can be upgraded

Implies raising something to a higher standard or level.

can be perfected

Emphasizes achieving a flawless state.

could be better

A simpler way to say the same thing, indicating a need for enhancement.

is open to revision

Indicates that something is not final and can be changed.

is subject to modification

Highlights that something is liable to change or alteration.

admits of betterment

A more formal and less common way of expressing the possibility of improvement.

FAQs

What does it mean to say something "can be improved upon"?

Saying something "can be improved upon" means it has the potential to be made better. It suggests that while the thing in question is adequate or functional, it isn't yet in its optimal state and there are areas where adjustments or enhancements could be beneficial.

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

You can use "can be improved upon" when discussing evaluations or revisions to indicate areas where changes are possible. For instance, "The current marketing strategy "can be improved upon" by targeting a younger demographic".

What are some alternatives to "can be improved upon"?

Alternatives include phrases like "can be enhanced", "has room for improvement", or "can be optimized", each offering a slightly different nuance depending on the context.

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 and commonly used. The addition of "upon" doesn't drastically change the meaning but can add a slightly more formal tone. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference and the context of your writing.