does not improve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not improve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation, condition, or performance that remains the same or does not get better over time. Example: "Despite several attempts to enhance the process, the overall efficiency does not improve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But morale does not improve.

The New York Times

Steven does not improve.

The New York Times - Arts

The conversation does not improve.

The New York Times

It does not improve relations.

The Washington Post

Overaging does not improve cracking resistance.

International Journal of Fatigue

Mg does not improve the cyclohexane yield.

Catalysis Today

Literature does not improve; it simply changes.

The Guardian - Books

Criminalising parents does not improve parenting.

The Guardian

A higher concentration of tin does not improve the situation.

Catalysis Today

B-doping does not improve the activity of CNTs.

Carbon

A certain kind of grief does not improve with time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not improve", ensure the context clearly indicates what is expected to improve and why it has not. For example, "Despite the new training program, employee performance does not improve." This provides a clear understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "does not improve" vaguely. Instead of saying "The situation does not improve", specify what aspect remains unchanged. For example, "The patient's condition does not improve despite the medication", providing a more precise understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not improve" primarily functions as a negative predicate, indicating that a subject's condition, performance, or status remains unchanged or fails to show positive development. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

41%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not improve" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a lack of progress or positive change. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently used across various contexts, including science, news media, and academia. When using this phrase, it's important to specify what is expected to improve and why it has not. While "does not improve" is suitable for many situations, alternative phrases like "fails to enhance" or "remains unchanged" may provide more nuance or formality depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not get better

A simpler, more direct way of saying that something is not improving.

fails to enhance

Emphasizes a failure in the attempt to make something better.

does not advance

Focuses on the lack of forward movement or progress.

remains unchanged

Focuses on the absence of any alteration or modification.

is still the same

Emphasizes the continuation of a condition without change.

shows no progress

Highlights the lack of advancement or forward movement.

exhibits no betterment

Uses more formal language to indicate a lack of positive development.

makes no headway

Indicates a failure to make forward progress against resistance.

stagnates

Implies a lack of movement or development, often suggesting a negative connotation.

deteriorates

Suggests a decline in quality or condition, the opposite of improving.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "does not improve" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives such as "fails to enhance" or "exhibits no betterment" depending on the specific context.

What is a simpler way to say "does not improve"?

A simpler way to express the same idea is to say "does not get better" or "remains unchanged".

Is it correct to use "does not improve" in academic writing?

Yes, "does not improve" is grammatically correct and suitable for academic writing. However, consider using more precise language if appropriate, such as "shows no progress" or "does not advance".

When should I use "deteriorates" instead of "does not improve"?

Use "deteriorates" when the condition is worsening rather than simply staying the same. "Does not improve" implies a lack of positive change, while "deteriorates" implies a negative change.