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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
improve one's standing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Here's how.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Their findings suggest that certain research environments and infrastructures can significantly improve one's research standing.
Being without the ability to improve one's economic standing is indeed a dire situation.
News & Media
Improving one's body.
News & Media
I can't improve on my standing with these guys.
News & Media
Kinnock improved Labour's standing". The pressure to ensure Miliband would stand down highlights growing defeatism among many MPs after a Guardian/ICM poll this week placed Labour just one point ahead of the Tories, on 32%to31%1%.
News & Media
An official from Australia's One Nation party was recorded saying a $20 million donation from the American gun lobby would improve his party's standing in Parliament.
News & Media
Kinnock improved Labour's standing".
News & Media
As best as one can decipher from a campaign that consistently contradicted itself and was headed by a candidate with no real foreign policy experience, this meant prioritizing U.S. interests and security and improving America's standing in the world.
News & Media
His comments came four days after the Independent disclosed that a prominent Tory, Nadhim Zahawi, supported a one-off amnesty as a way of boosting the economy – and improving the party's standing among ethnic minority voters.
News & Media
Clinton's standing improved over time.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use this phrase when discussing gradual or systematic progress rather than a one-time event, as 'standing' usually implies a long-term position.
Common error
Avoid using "improve one's standing" when you literally mean improving physical posture. For physical health, use terms like "improve one's posture" or "straighten up".
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "improve one's standing" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It consists of the verb 'improve', a possessive pronoun (one's) acting as a determiner and the noun 'standing' as the direct object. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often appears with modifiers like 'economic', 'social' or 'public' to specify the nature of the rank being enhanced.
Frequent in
News & Media
65%
Academia
15%
Formal & Business
12%
Less common in
Wiki
5%
Science
2%
Social Media
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "improve one's standing" is a highly versatile and correct expression used to describe the advancement of reputation or status. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most prevalent in professional journalism and academic writing, where it serves to describe political maneuvers or professional growth. While the literal meaning of 'standing' relates to physical position, this figurative use is standard English. It is frequently paired with adjectives like social, economic or financial to ground the improvement in a specific context. Writers should favor this phrase when discussing long-term changes in position rather than fleeting successes.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
enhance one's reputation
Focuses specifically on the qualitative perception others have of a person or entity.
boost one's status
Implies a more rapid or significant increase in social or professional hierarchy.
elevate one's position
Suggests a formal upward movement within a structured system.
advance one's rank
Often used in military or strictly tiered professional environments.
increase one's prestige
Highlights the respect and admiration gained from others.
bolster one's credibility
Concentrates on the reliability and trustworthiness aspect of one's standing.
better one's image
More concerned with the superficial or visual presentation of a person or brand.
strengthen one's clout
Emphasizes the acquisition of power and influence.
upgrade one's profile
Commonly used in digital networking and professional visibility contexts.
improve one's stock
Uses a market-based metaphor to describe an increase in personal or institutional value.
FAQs
What does it mean to "improve one's standing"?
It means to enhance your reputation, status or position within a group or society. It is often used in professional or political contexts, such as when a candidate tries to "boost one's status" with voters.
Is "improve one's standing" formal?
Yes, it is considered neutral to professional. In academic or news writing, it is a standard way to describe progress in reputation. For a more formal alternative, you might use "enhance one's reputation".
Can I use "standing" in plural form?
While less common, "standings" is typically used in sports or competitive rankings. In general prose, use the singular 'standing' unless referring to multiple distinct rankings, such as trying to "improve their own standings" in different leagues.
What can I say instead of "improve one's standing"?
You can use synonyms like "elevate one's position", "advance one's rank" or "increase one's prestige" depending on whether you are talking about a job, social status or general admiration.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested