improved my ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improved my ability" is correct and can be used in written English.
It usually means that someone has increased their capability or skill level in some way. For example, "Taking on more responsibilities has improved my ability to think strategically."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I'm not talking about something that improved my ability to communicate with my wife, nor anything that improve the quality of our sex, nor something that benefited our financial challenges, or any of the common problems that couples today experience.

Huffington Post

On the other side, careful observation has also improved my ability to uncover the impostors and the insincere.

The New York Times

Unexpectedly, as time passed, the numbness was replaced by flashes of an intense connection with other people, an empathy and compassion that has improved my ability to develop working relationships.

The Guardian

While these skills have improved my ability to respond to some of the ongoing calls for help I receive, I remain frustrated at my inability to substantively dismantle systemic causes of these calls.

Harvard University

I-RITE was a great exercise, and it definitely improved my ability to explain my research.

Science Magazine

The best thing about philosophy in my experience is that thinking philosophically and re-reading the work of dead white men like Aristotle and Aquinas has improved my ability to think about everything else from art to science.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I was trying to improve my ability".

The Guardian - Books

I read outside books to improve my ability in any subject I feel weak in".

The New York Times

Book clinic: which books could improve my ability to adapt to a changing environment?

The Guardian - Books

Book clinic Book clinic: which books could improve my ability to adapt to a changing environment?

The Guardian - Books

Personally, I am also hoping to improve my ability to harness business for the sustainable development of frontier markets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "enhanced" or "developed" for "improved" to add variety to your writing. However, ensure the synonym accurately reflects the nuance of the improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "improved my ability" without specifying the area of improvement. For example, instead of saying "I improved my ability", specify "I improved my ability to communicate effectively."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improved my ability" functions as a verb phrase indicating an enhancement or betterment of a specific skill or capability. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing personal development and skill acquisition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "improved my ability" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate enhancement in a specific skill or capability. According to Ludwig, it's important to specify the skill that has been improved to avoid vagueness. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, alternative phrasing may be preferred in certain situations. The sources analyzed indicate that "improved my ability" is most frequently used in news and media, academia, and science contexts, reflecting its broad applicability. Ludwig AI validates the correctness of this phrase, making it a reliable choice for expressing personal or professional development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enhanced my skill

Focuses more specifically on the improvement of a particular skill.

developed my aptitude

Highlights the growth of a natural talent or inclination.

honed my craft

Implies refining a specific skill or talent through dedicated practice.

sharpened my expertise

Emphasizes the enhancement of specialized knowledge or skill.

advanced my knowledge

Concentrates on the expansion and deepening of one's understanding.

boosted my competence

Highlights an increase in overall proficiency and capability.

strengthened my capacity

Focuses on reinforcing one's inherent or acquired potential.

refined my technique

Suggests an improvement in the precision and effectiveness of a particular method.

perfected my approach

Emphasizes the attainment of an ideal or flawless method.

expanded my understanding

Highlights an increase in knowledge and comprehension.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "improved my ability" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "enhanced my capacity", "developed my proficiency", or "refined my expertise". These alternatives often suit academic or professional contexts.

What's a simpler way to say "improved my ability"?

You could say "got better at", "became more skilled in", or "boosted my skills" as simpler alternatives. These options are suitable for informal settings.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "improved my ability"?

This phrase is appropriate in various situations, such as describing personal growth, highlighting skill development in a resume or cover letter, or discussing the benefits of a training program. It's generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though the specific phrasing can be adjusted as needed.

Which is more accurate, "improved my ability in" or "improved my ability to"?

"Improved my ability to" is generally more accurate and commonly used when followed by a verb, such as "improved my ability to communicate". "Improved my ability in" is used when followed by a noun, such as "improved my ability in mathematics".