improve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of making something better or enhancing its quality or performance. Example: "We need to find ways to improve our customer service to enhance client satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

2. To help us to monitor and improve the services we offer 3. To sell advertising space on the site.

The Guardian

"Australia consensus would have put the University of Western Australia at the forefront of global research efforts to improve the use of aid spending.

The Guardian

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Obama pledged the law would lower premiums by up to $2,500 per year for a typical family by January 2013 and improve the economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The commission found for the mass experiment in postal voting in June, though administration will need to improve.

The Guardian

It's only the first couple of weeks of 2015, but the year may as well be over: with the 2016 presidential and congressional elections looming, Republicans are pushing full steam ahead on economy and jobs in an attempt to improve their chances at capturing the White House next year.

The Guardian - Money

"We should not compromise our own interests to the extent of jeopardising the web of civilian and military exchanges that are at the heart of the relationship, or cut our aid program – intended to improve the lives of ordinary Indonesians.

The Guardian

Those from the richest fifth of neighbourhoods are still nine times more likely to go to the top universities than those from the poorest fifth, according to the Sutton Trust, a charity established to improve social mobility.

The Guardian

Related: Mental health charities can help people where the NHS cannot "To improve access to MBCT we need a combination of top-down action, such as getting commissioners and senior managers on board, and bottom-up action... pro-active mindfulness teachers and trainers setting up high quality local services and encouraging GPs to refer patients who would benefit from MBCT treatment," he says.

The Guardian

Related: Graphene – six ways wonder material could improve world sustainability Perhaps most significantly, public policy around packaging has advanced at a snail's pace.

The Guardian

They are powerful tools to help any organisation improve its performance".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "improve" when you want to convey the idea of making something better, whether it's a skill, a product, or a situation. Be specific about what you are trying to "improve" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "improve" in vague contexts. Instead of saying "We need to improve", specify what needs improvement, such as "We need to improve our customer service" or "We need to improve the efficiency of our operations."

Linguistic Context

The verb "improve" functions primarily to express the action of making something better or enhancing its quality. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in a wide range of contexts, showcasing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "improve" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of making something better. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, including news, business, and general communication. Its primary function is to express enhancement or positive change. While the word is widely applicable, it is best practice to avoid vagueness and specify what needs improvement. Alternatives like "enhance", "ameliorate", and "refine" can be used for more formal or nuanced situations. Understanding the proper usage of "improve" ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Enhance

Similar to improve, but often suggests making something more attractive or valuable.

Ameliorate

Suggests making something bad better, often related to situations or conditions.

Refine

Implies making small changes to perfect something.

Upgrade

Often used in technical contexts, suggesting a move to a better version.

Advance

Focuses on moving forward and making progress.

Boost

Suggests giving something a lift or increase in power or effectiveness.

Develop

Focuses on growth and gradual betterment.

Perfect

Aims to make something as good as it can possibly be.

Progress

Indicates forward movement and betterment over time.

Elevate

Suggests raising something to a higher level or status.

FAQs

How can I use "improve" in a sentence?

You can use "improve" to describe making something better, such as "We aim to "improve our products"" or "I want to "improve my skills"".

What's a more formal alternative to "improve"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "ameliorate" or "enhance". For example, "We seek to "enhance the quality" of our services".

Is "improve on" or "improve upon" more correct?

"Improve on" and "improve upon" are both acceptable, but "improve on" is generally more common in modern usage. Both mean to make something better than it already is.

What's the difference between "improve" and "develop"?

"Improve" implies making something that already exists better, while "develop" suggests creating something new or expanding on something existing. For example, you might "improve" a product, but you would "develop" a new feature.