improve matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improve matters" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing ways to enhance a situation or resolve issues. Example: "The new policy was implemented to improve matters within the organization and boost employee morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The entertainment didn't improve matters.

The Guardian

Progress to improve matters is unsurprisingly patchy.

The Economist

"The Conservatives would not improve matters.

The Guardian

Maybe Shimon Peres will improve matters, Uncle Henri ventures.

The New York Times - Books

What was he working on to improve matters?

The New Yorker

Will the so-called "smart grid" improve matters?

The Economist

I am clumsy, and the costume did not improve matters.

The New York Times - Sports

Mining firms and voluntary groups are working to improve matters.

The Economist

He was asked how he would improve matters.

The New York Times - Arts

More flexibility and rigorous performance assessment would improve matters.

The Economist

When negotiation is impractical, collective action can often improve matters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone. While generally suitable for formal and informal contexts, evaluate whether a more nuanced alternative might better convey the intended sentiment.

Common error

Avoid using "improve matters" without specifying what 'matters' you are referring to. Vague usage dilutes the phrase's impact and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improve matters" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It indicates an action aimed at enhancing or rectifying a given situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly used to express efforts to make things better across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "improve matters" is a versatile phrase used to express the desire or action of making a situation better. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across numerous contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the 'matters' being addressed and consider whether the register is appropriate for your audience. While it is a neutral phrase, selecting a more nuanced alternative may better convey your intended sentiment. The phrase is widely accepted and understood, making it a reliable choice in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make things better

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the same idea.

ameliorate the situation

This alternative suggests a more formal and deliberate effort to improve a specific condition.

enhance the circumstances

This implies a more general improvement, focusing on the overall conditions rather than specific issues.

rectify the situation

Focuses on correcting something that is wrong or unjust.

set things right

Implies correcting a wrong or injustice to restore balance.

resolve the issues

This alternative directly addresses specific problems that need to be solved.

better the state of affairs

This phrase is a more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "improve matters".

alleviate concerns

This phrase addresses specific worries or anxieties, aiming to reduce their intensity.

turn things around

This idiom suggests a significant and positive change in a situation that was previously negative.

ease the burden

Focuses on reducing difficulty or hardship in a particular situation.

FAQs

How can I use "improve matters" in a sentence?

You can use "improve matters" when suggesting actions or changes that could make a situation better. For example, "Implementing these new policies should "improve matters" within the company".

What are some alternatives to "improve matters"?

Alternatives include phrases like "make things better", "ameliorate the situation", or "enhance the circumstances", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between "improve matters" and "make things better"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "improve matters" is slightly more formal and can be used when matters are not literally things that can be "better" but are a more abstract situation that can be "improved", "make things better" is more informal.

When is it appropriate to use "improve matters" in writing?

It's appropriate in both formal and informal writing when you want to express the idea of making a situation or condition better, especially when discussing abstract concepts or complex situations that need enhancement. Always ensure the context is clear.