improve themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

'improve themselves' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone taking action to better themselves. For example, "The students were encouraged to improve themselves by their instructor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Everyone has individual plans to improve themselves.

The Guardian - Sport

All are at the Berkshire Farm Center to improve themselves.

The New York Times

Staff are keen to improve themselves and each other.

The Guardian

I do agree, though, that politicians could use their holidays to improve themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is always an element of continuously wanting to improve themselves".

The Guardian - Business

Men and women, frequently living in desperate poverty, were determined to improve themselves and their families.

The Guardian

Back in those days, people worked hard to improve themselves and their communities.

The Guardian

"I think the first reaction should be: O.K., the Yankees did something big to improve themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

You just hope these people can find a way to improve themselves.

The New York Times

All loved ones should resolve not to suggest to others how they can improve themselves.

The New York Times

Yoga and language courses were offered to players to help them to "improve" themselves.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "improve themselves" when referring to actions people take to become better in a general sense, whether through education, skill development, or personal growth.

Common error

Avoid using "improve themselves" when the action is being done to someone or something else. The reflexive pronoun is only appropriate when the subject and object of the verb are the same.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improve themselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is performing an action that benefits or affects the subject itself. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "improve themselves" is a grammatically sound and widely used reflexive verb phrase indicating actions taken for self-betterment. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. While maintaining a neutral register, the phrase is most common in news and media, science, and wiki sources. When using "improve themselves", ensure that the subject and object of the verb are the same to avoid grammatical errors. Alternatives such as "better themselves" or "develop personally" can be considered depending on the specific nuances you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

better themselves

Uses "better" as a verb instead of "improve", maintaining similar meaning.

develop personally

Focuses on personal growth, which is a specific type of self-improvement.

work on self-improvement

Highlights the process of self-improvement, using a more explicit noun phrase.

enhance their skills

Specifies improving skills as a means of self-improvement.

grow as individuals

Emphasizes individual development and maturation.

make progress

Suggests forward movement in a general sense.

advance their knowledge

Focuses on expanding knowledge as a form of self-improvement.

cultivate their potential

Highlights nurturing one's inherent abilities.

refine their abilities

Emphasizes the refinement of existing skills.

evolve personally

Suggests a gradual process of personal evolution.

FAQs

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

Use "improve themselves" to describe actions that individuals or groups take to become better or more proficient. For example, "The company offered training programs to help employees "improve themselves"".

What are some alternatives to "improve themselves"?

You can use alternatives such as "better themselves", "develop personally", or "work on self-improvement", depending on the specific context.

Is "improve them" grammatically correct instead of "improve themselves"?

No, "improve them" is not grammatically correct when referring to the same individuals or groups taking action. "Improve themselves" is reflexive and indicates that the subject and object are the same. "Improve them" would mean improving other people.

What's the difference between "improve themselves" and "enhance their skills"?

"Improve themselves" is a broader term referring to overall betterment, while "enhance their skills" specifically focuses on improving abilities and competencies.