could be improved upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be improved upon" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to something that could be made better through further development or adjustment. For example, "This experiment could still be improved upon by including additional variables."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Frankly, it's hard to imagine how this Norwegian weirdie could be improved upon.

The Guardian - Film

First, we discuss how evidence of HTE is generated and could be improved upon.

Value in Health

I have no doubt this work could be improved upon, and I hope that the commission accepts this challenge.

The Guardian

The inside workings of the sharpener remain untouched - the mechanism is 100 years old, but Hecht didn't think it could be improved upon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The dancing of the great Earl Tucker, known as Snakehips, probably could not be reproduced by anybody else and it's unlikely that it could be improved upon.

The New York Times - Arts

Malta offers citizenship for €1.15m in return for a combination of cash, property purchases and investment.Still, the committee's proposals could be improved upon.

The Economist

I don't see how the quality of their enthusiasm could be improved upon by being told that the source of the treat was a furtive, supernatural being.

The New York Times

It seemed an odd, somewhat forced exercise, a championship team trying to convince itself that a Super Bowl title could be improved upon.

The New York Times - Sports

In this context, it is also not obvious whether observed policies could be improved upon in such a way that all countries gain in welfare.

Journal of Environmental Economics and Management

Only about 40percentt of the money allocated by FEMA to rebuild schools, hospitals and other infrastructure has reached Louisiana communities, he said, which could be improved upon with better coordination.

The New York Times

Even the unfurnished houses themselves are acts of aspiration: built on a leveraged prayer, often on the remains of an old tear-down that some investor thought could be improved upon.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be improved upon", be specific about the areas that need improvement. Vague statements lack impact and provide no direction for action.

Common error

Avoid using "could be improved upon" excessively in passive constructions. Instead, rephrase sentences to emphasize who or what can make the improvements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be improved upon" functions as a qualifying statement indicating that something is not perfect and has the potential for enhancement. It softens criticism and suggests possibilities for positive change. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be improved upon" is a versatile and widely accepted way to suggest that something has the potential for enhancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across a variety of contexts, including science, news media, and formal business settings. While it is generally considered neutral to formal, it's important to be specific about the areas needing improvement and to avoid overusing the phrase in passive constructions. Alternatives such as "has room for improvement" or "could be enhanced" can provide variety and nuance depending on the specific context. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively use "could be improved upon" to offer constructive feedback and identify opportunities for refinement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be enhanced

Focuses on the potential for making something better or more valuable.

could be refined

Emphasizes the process of making small changes to improve something's quality.

has room for improvement

Highlights that there's space or potential for making something better.

can be optimized

Suggests that something can be made more effective or efficient.

is open to suggestions

Implies a willingness to consider changes or improvements.

can be developed further

Focuses on the idea that something can be expanded or elaborated upon.

can be perfected

Emphasizes the possibility of achieving a state of flawlessness.

can be polished

Suggests that something needs to be made smoother or more refined.

could benefit from adjustments

Highlights that certain modifications could lead to positive outcomes.

is not yet perfect

Directly states that something is not without flaws or shortcomings.

FAQs

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

Use "could be improved upon" to suggest that something has potential for enhancement. For instance, "The current strategy "could be improved upon" by incorporating more user feedback."

What are some alternatives to saying "could be improved upon"?

You can use phrases like "has room for improvement", "could be enhanced", or "can be optimized" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is more formal, "could be improved upon" or "can be made better"?

"Could be improved upon" is generally considered more formal than "can be made better". The former is often preferred in professional or academic writing.

What's the difference between "could be improved upon" and "needs improvement"?

"Could be improved upon" is a more gentle and suggestive way of pointing out areas for enhancement, while "needs improvement" is more direct and can sometimes sound critical, depending on the context.