improve to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improve to" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not typically used in standard expressions, and its intended meaning may be unclear without additional context. Example: "We aim to improve to a higher standard of service."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

They have to improve to compete.

The New York Times

The Giants should improve to 3-1.

The New York Times - Sports

Mussina overcame a slow start to improve to 12-6.

The New York Times - Sports

State improve to 2-5 on the road this season.

The New York Times - Sports

Sabathia threw a complete game to improve to 2-3.

The New York Times - Sports

So we have to improve to win the Premier League.

The Guardian - Sport

We know he has to improve to pitch.

The New York Times - Sports

"But I am working to improve, to close the difference".

The New York Times - Sports

The Wildcats took control early to improve to 12-0.

The New York Times

The players have to improve to do that.

The New York Times - Sports

"We must improve to win our remaining matches.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing progress toward a specific number or statistic, use "improve to" cautiously. Alternatives like "increase to" or "rise to" might be more grammatically sound and clearer for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "improve to" when the intended meaning describes progress toward an abstract quality. It's better to use "improve and become", or "improve in order to". For example, instead of saying "They need to improve to be competitive", say "They need to improve to become competitive" or "They need to improve in order to be competitive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improve to" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating progression or advancement toward a specific state or number. Although frequent, its grammatical correctness is often questioned. As Ludwig AI highlights, the usage might be unclear without sufficient context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "improve to" is frequently used, especially in news and sports contexts, its grammatical standing is debatable. Ludwig AI confirms that it's often considered grammatically weak. When describing progress, especially in quantifiable terms, consider using alternatives like "advance to", "increase to", or "progress to" for enhanced clarity and grammatical correctness. Avoid using "improve to" when describing progress toward abstract qualities, opting for constructions like "improve in order to" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance to

Focuses on moving forward to a new stage or level.

progress to

Emphasizes gradual development and movement toward a goal.

develop into

Highlights the transformation and evolution into a different state.

evolve into

Suggests a more natural and gradual transformation over time.

grow into

Implies a natural and organic development toward a specific form or condition.

increase to

Specifically refers to a numerical or measurable rise to a new value.

rise to

Indicates an upward movement or attainment of a higher position.

ascend to

Suggests a climb or elevation to a higher rank or status.

transform into

Emphasizes a dramatic change in form or appearance.

convert to

Implies a change in form, function, or belief.

FAQs

How can I properly use the phrase "improve to" in a sentence?

While often used, "improve to" can be grammatically awkward. Consider using alternatives like "advance to", "progress to", or rephrasing for clarity.

What are some alternatives to "improve to" when referring to a numerical increase?

For numerical increases, use phrases such as "increase to" or "rise to" for greater clarity and grammatical correctness.

Is it always incorrect to use "improve to", or are there specific contexts where it is acceptable?

While commonly found in news and sports reporting, "improve to" is generally considered grammatically weak. Rephrasing with a stronger verb and clearer preposition is usually preferable.

What's the difference between using "improve to" and using "improve in order to"?

"Improve to" is often used to indicate achieving a new state or level, but it's not grammatically strong. "Improve in order to" provides a clearer purpose, indicating that improvement is done for a specific reason. Consider the latter for enhanced clarity.