improvisation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "improvisation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of creating or performing something spontaneously without prior preparation or without a plan or script. For example: His ability to come up with quick solutions demonstrated a high level of improvisation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We did a massive amount of improvisation informed by what we had read and what we knew had to be dramatised," Leigh says, and adds that the actors were all painters themselves: "We went out of our way to say, 'OK, where are the actors who can paint?' There are quite a lot of them around.

The Guardian - Film

artmod, posted online Obviously that's hugely flattering and you'd like to think it was the case, but they've lived their whole lives to develop a dedicated aesthetic of total improvisation while being utterly ignored by society and living on the fringes of humanity and in utter poverty, and then dying in obscurity and never being recognised for their art.

The Guardian

So he was describing who he was looking for and I was thinking: 'It's me!' A couple of weeks later he asked me to do some improvisation with some people - I still didn't suspect anything, as I'd done that for him before with Ladybird, Ladybird.

The Guardian - Film

We were only prepared for one child and the arrival of three babies by six o'clock in the morning meant considerable improvisation for the first few days…" When she started carving again in November 1934, her work, she said, seemed to have changed direction, "although the only fresh influence had been the arrival of the children".

The Guardian - Arts

Usually, everything would go according to the previously prepared schedule, no improvisation.

The Guardian

He played best with a great foil, his ridiculous relish for excess up against John Gielgud's elegant Home Counties restraint, his penchant for improvisation unnerving the stage actor's disciplined regard for the script.

The Guardian - Film

He uses a Wall Street Journal editorial to accuse the Fed of "improvisation".

The Guardian - Business

It argues: "Britain has not suddenly lost its ancestral gift for improvisation.

The Guardian

We'd do improvisation.

The Guardian - Film

All parents soon realise how much of child-rearing is improvisation, tempered by exhaustion.

The Economist

Instead, the preparations have illustrated the improvisation for which the country is nearly as famous as its footballers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "improvisation", consider the specific context. Is it related to artistic performance, problem-solving, or a general approach to handling unexpected situations? Tailor your language to match the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid implying that "improvisation" is always a substitute for careful planning. While it can be a valuable skill, effective "improvisation" often relies on a foundation of knowledge and experience. Highlight the balance between preparation and adaptability.

Linguistic Context

The word "improvisation" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the act or art of improvising. It can also denote something that is improvised. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "improvisation" is a versatile noun that describes the act of creating or performing something without prior planning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. Its semantic field includes related concepts such as "extemporization" and "ad-libbing", each carrying subtle nuances. While valuable, "improvisation" should not be viewed solely as a replacement for planning but rather as a complementary skill. The high frequency of "improvisation" in news, business, and scientific sources underscores its relevance in various domains. Therefore, mastering its usage enhances communication and understanding across multiple disciplines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ad-libbing

Focuses on spontaneous delivery, often in performance or speech.

extemporization

Emphasizes speaking or performing without preparation.

spontaneity

Highlights the quality of being unplanned and impulsive.

ad hoc creation

Suggests a solution or creation made for a specific, immediate need.

making it up as you go

An informal way of describing unplanned action or creation.

winging it

An idiomatic expression for proceeding without a plan.

resourcefulness

Emphasizes the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties.

creative problem-solving

Focuses on finding innovative solutions to unexpected challenges.

unscripted performance

Specifically refers to a performance without a prepared script.

thinking on your feet

Highlights the ability to react quickly and intelligently to unforeseen circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "improvisation" in a sentence?

You can use "improvisation" to describe the act of creating or performing something spontaneously. For example, "The jazz musician was known for his exceptional skill in "improvisation"".

What are some synonyms for "improvisation"?

Alternatives to "improvisation" include "extemporization", "ad-libbing", and "spontaneity". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it always better to plan than to rely on "improvisation"?

Not necessarily. While planning is important, "improvisation" allows for adaptability in unforeseen situations. The ideal approach often involves a balance of both. Consider whether "thinking on your feet" is more appropriate.

What is the difference between "improvisation" and "making things up"?

"Improvisation" often implies a degree of skill and creativity in responding to a situation, whereas "making things up" can suggest fabrication or a lack of truthfulness. The context and intent behind the actions differentiate them. You might be "winging it" in either case.