improving at all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improving at all" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express doubt or uncertainty about whether any improvement is occurring in a particular situation or context. Example: "I don't see any signs of you improving at all in your performance this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

*With each new season, the women's game is improving at all levels, from grade schools through the pros.

The New York Times - Sports

As Instagram and small businesses grow, I do not see the service side of Instagram for business clients improving at all.

The New York Times - Tech

Louise Mirrer, the vice chancellor for academic affairs at CUNY, said yesterday that scores have been improving at all of the programs, and expressed confidence that each campus would meet the 80percentthresholdld by next year.

The New York Times

In a damning indictment of the prevailing culture of her own profession, Dame Zaha Hadid, the world's leading female architect, says she has faced "more misogynist behaviour" in London than anywhere else in Europe and that things are not improving at all for women in architecture.

The Guardian - Arts

He just isn't improving at all.

HuffPost

The Powers That Be didn't find having their status questioned very improving at all.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

With global soil moisture improving "at almost all sites" with long-term records, it would be hard to argue that global warming is causing drought in Africa.

Forbes

Moreover, the current-account balance, reported or true, would not improve at all, because the apparent improvement in service exports would be offset by an apparent worsening of profits earned abroad.

The Guardian - Business

Those who were promised a financial reward showed only slight improvements, and those who simply saw their doctors regularly did not improve at all.

The New York Times

But most failed to improve at all.

The New York Times - Sports

The PI GAC improved at all visits.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "improving at all" to express concern or disappointment, consider softening the tone by adding context or explanation. For instance, instead of simply stating "The situation isn't improving at all", elaborate with "The situation isn't improving at all, despite our best efforts."

Common error

Avoid consistently using "improving at all" in contexts that are already heavily negative. Balance negative statements with potential solutions or hope for future improvement. Overusing the phrase can create a sense of hopelessness and disengagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improving at all" functions as a verb phrase with a preposition, typically used to express a lack of progress or positive change. As Ludwig AI highlights, it suggests that despite efforts or expectations, there is no discernible betterment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "improving at all" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a lack of progress or positive change. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone and context when using the phrase to avoid creating an overly negative or hopeless impression. Alternatives such as "making any progress" or "showing any improvement" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis or formality. Its prevalence in news and media suggests a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not advancing at all

Directly negates advancement.

not progressing at all

Directly negates progression.

making any progress

Focuses on the concept of progress being made.

showing any improvement

Highlights the demonstration of improvement.

failing to improve

Highlights the failure to show any improvement.

getting any better

Uses a more informal tone to express improvement.

progressing in any way

Emphasizes any form of progression.

advancing whatsoever

Emphasizes any level of advancement.

developing at all

Centers on the aspect of development.

stagnating completely

Indicates a state of complete stagnation without any progress.

FAQs

What does "improving at all" mean?

The phrase "improving at all" suggests a lack of progress or positive change in a particular situation or skill. It conveys that despite efforts or expectations, there has been no discernible betterment.

How can I use "improving at all" in a sentence?

You can use "improving at all" to express disappointment or concern about a situation that is not getting better. For example: "His health isn't "improving at all" despite the new medication." or "My grades aren't "improving at all" even though I study every day."

What are some alternatives to "improving at all"?

Some alternatives to "improving at all" include "making any progress", "showing any improvement", or "getting any better". The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not improving at all"?

Yes, "not improving at all" is grammatically correct. It's a common and acceptable way to express the absence of improvement. For instance, "The patient is not "improving at all" despite the treatment."