did not improve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not improve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has remained the same or has not gotten better over a certain period of time. Example: "Despite the efforts made, the team's performance did not improve throughout the season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It did not improve.

The New Yorker

He did not improve.

The New York Times

The condition did not improve.

The New York Times - Sports

Retesting did not improve performance.

The New York Times - Health

Things did not improve much.

The New York Times

But the offense did not improve.

The New York Times - Sports

Things did not improve from here.

The New York Times - Arts

Poe's condition did not improve.

The Guardian

Claudi's coughing did not improve.

The Guardian

Other changes did not improve the structure.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Additional variables did not improve the models.

Forest Ecology and Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "did not improve", ensure the context clearly indicates what was expected to improve. For example, specify the conditions, skills, or outcomes that remained unchanged.

Common error

Avoid using "did not improve" without specifying what was expected to improve. Vague statements can confuse the reader and weaken the message. Always provide a clear point of reference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not improve" functions as a verb phrase expressing the absence of betterment or progress. It typically modifies a subject, indicating that a certain condition, skill, or outcome has not reached a more desirable state. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

59%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "did not improve" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a lack of positive change or progress. As Ludwig confirms, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal reports to casual conversations. While the phrase is commonly used in news, scientific, and academic settings, it is essential to provide a clear context to avoid vagueness. Consider using alternatives like "remained unchanged" or "failed to advance" to add nuance. By understanding these factors, you can effectively use the phrase to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained unchanged

Indicates a complete lack of alteration or progress.

stayed the same

Emphasizes the lack of any change or alteration.

failed to advance

Highlights the absence of forward movement or progress.

did not get better

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the lack of improvement.

showed no progress

Focuses on the absence of any visible advancement.

deteriorated

Indicates a decline or worsening instead of remaining static.

did not ameliorate

A more formal way of saying "did not improve", implying a lack of relief or betterment.

saw no improvement

Highlights the lack of any observable betterment.

was no better

Expresses that the situation or condition remained at the same undesirable level.

regressed

Implies a movement backward or a decline in condition.

FAQs

How can I use "did not improve" in a sentence?

You can use "did not improve" to indicate that something has remained the same or has not gotten better over time. For instance, "Despite the new training program, employee performance "did not improve"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "did not improve"?

Alternatives include "remained unchanged", "stayed the same", or "failed to advance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "did not ameliorate" instead of "did not improve"?

Yes, "did not ameliorate" is a more formal way of saying "did not improve". Ameliorate implies a relief or betterment, often used in medical or technical contexts.

Can "did not improve" imply a negative outcome, or just a lack of progress?

While "did not improve" primarily indicates a lack of progress, the context can imply a negative outcome if improvement was necessary to maintain a certain standard or avoid a decline. In cases where things worsen, it's more accurate to say it "deteriorated".