improvise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improvise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of creating or performing something spontaneously without preparation. Example: "During the performance, the actor had to improvise when the script was lost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As he read his speech, crunching the paper hard as though warding off the temptation to improvise, it became clear that the text hammered out with Tony Blair's minions had been amended.

The Guardian - Opinion

The demon has invaded you... "It sometimes happens that people completely unsuited for word-play will improvise an endless string of puns and wholly improbable idea relationships fit to outdo the ablest masters of this preposterous craft.

The Guardian - Books

The best student athletes are also versatile, with an ability to improvise when things don't go to plan.

The Guardian

They play from their setlist, but they improvise, too, enjoying themselves in this beautiful setting.

The Guardian - Music

The presenters don't work from autocue; they'll often improvise and acknowledge mistakes as they go.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He also enjoys moving around and photographing poorer villages, which he likes for their colours and for "the way they improvise structures".

The Guardian

Their 20-year-old goalkeeper Luis Guevara Mora decided to improvise.

The Guardian - Sport

On the minus side, one can see the first inklings of the tendency to pad things out which came to blight some of his later mainstream work; Banks's fertile imagination meant that he could improvise very easily – Prentice's brother's standup comedy routines feel distinctly superfluous.

The Guardian - Books

In the IDF, which he served as a reservist for nearly a quarter of a century, soldiers are encouraged to improvise, lest they lose the initiative in the fog of battle.

The Economist

As an organist in Kensington for 14 years, the passion of God in him often induced him to play with all the stops out; at the piano, like some flagellant, he might improvise until the hammers broke and his fingers bled on the keys.Death as MuseHe was no saint, though.

The Economist

When the police phone his wife she exclaims, "Oh, delusions of grandeur he's the chief surgeon at the hospital .Earning dollars outside tourist areas is harder, so locals improvise or go hungry.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "improvise", ensure the context clearly indicates the lack of prior planning or preparation. It's suitable for scenarios where adaptability and spontaneity are key.

Common error

While "improvise" is versatile, avoid it in highly formal or technical contexts where precision and pre-planning are expected. Opt for terms like "formulate", "devise", or "develop" to convey a more structured approach.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "improvise" is as a verb, denoting the action of creating or performing something spontaneously, without prior preparation. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts ranging from musical performances to problem-solving scenarios, consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

6%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "improvise" is a versatile verb used to describe creating or performing something spontaneously without prior planning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more precise alternatives in highly formal settings. By understanding its nuances and practicing mindful usage, you can effectively convey adaptability and resourcefulness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ad-lib

Refers specifically to speaking or performing without preparation, particularly in acting or comedy.

extemporize

Implies speaking or performing without notes or planning, often in a formal setting.

wing it

Suggests proceeding without a clear plan, relying on instinct and quick thinking.

play it by ear

Indicates making decisions and adapting as a situation unfolds, without a predetermined course of action.

think on your feet

Highlights the ability to come up with solutions or responses quickly and effectively in unexpected situations.

make it up as you go along

Directly conveys the idea of creating something spontaneously during the process.

devise spontaneously

Emphasizes the immediate and unplanned creation of something.

cobble together

Suggests creating something quickly and often crudely from available resources.

contrive

Implies creating something with ingenuity, often in response to a difficult situation.

make shift

Highlights using whatever is available to create a temporary solution or substitute.

FAQs

How to use "improvise" in a sentence?

You can use "improvise" to describe creating or performing something without prior preparation. For example, "The band had to "improvise" a new song when their setlist was lost."

What can I say instead of "improvise"?

You can use alternatives like "ad-lib", "extemporize", or "wing it" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "improvise" or "improvize"?

"Improvise" is the more common and widely accepted spelling. "Improvize" is a less frequent variant.

Is "improvise" appropriate for formal writing?

"Improvise" is generally acceptable, but in highly formal contexts, consider more precise terms like "formulate" or "devise" to convey a more structured and pre-planned approach.