modify and improve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modify and improve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing changes or enhancements to something, indicating that you want to make it better in some way. Example: "We need to modify and improve our current marketing strategy to reach a wider audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Palm last year did succeed in getting a permanent license to the Palm OS from access, with exclusive rights to modify and improve the source code, which it's done, notable improvements visible in the Centro and in the upgrade for the 680 that was released last week.

TechCrunch

Mr. Piazza, like all talented chefs, feels compelled to modify and improve on traditional dishes.

The New York Times

Discontent is a good thing: discontented people can modify and improve their worlds, leave them better, leave them different.

The Guardian - Books

Discontent is a good thing: people can modify and improve their worlds, leave them better, leave them different.

The New York Times

In testimony before the House Financial Services subcommittee, Coffee suggested ways to modify and improve a bill on insider trading.

Columbia University

There is a big difference between imitating someone wholesale and borrowing selectively from various people to create your own collage, which you then modify and improve.

Harvard Business Review

In every instance, part of the output is fed back as new input to modify and improve the subsequent output of a system.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Our actions are constantly being analyzed, modified and improved, to ensure we only kill those who would do us harm.

The New York Times

Existing sensors, such as cameleon, have been modified and improved.

Current Opinion in Neurobiology

In 1840 he modified and improved this process and called it the calotype (later the talbotype).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The current schedule calls for three more test firings as the design is modified and improved and then two firings of the final design to verify its reliability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modify and improve", ensure that both actions are relevant. "Modify" implies making changes, while "improve" suggests enhancing its quality or functionality. Use the phrase when you intend to both alter and enhance something, not just one or the other.

Common error

Avoid using "modify and improve" when the context already implies enhancement. For instance, saying "modify and improve the perfect design" is redundant because a perfect design doesn't need improvement. Instead, use "modify" when changes are needed, and "improve" when enhancement is the goal, rather than automatically pairing them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modify and improve" functions as a compound verb phrase. It expresses a dual action involving both making changes (modify) and enhancing quality or functionality (improve). Ludwig examples showcase its wide applicability across disciplines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "modify and improve" is a versatile and frequently used expression that conveys the dual action of changing and enhancing something. It is grammatically correct and particularly common in scientific, news, and academic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is also advisable to ensure that both actions are necessary and relevant to avoid redundancy, and the phrase can be replaced with synonyms like "revise and enhance" or "adapt and refine" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revise and enhance

Focuses more on the review and upgrading aspects.

adapt and refine

Emphasizes adjustment and precision in the improvement process.

adjust and upgrade

Highlights making changes and bringing something to a higher standard.

tweak and optimize

Suggests fine-tuning for the best possible outcome.

reform and perfect

Implies a more fundamental change aimed at flawlessness.

enhance and refine

Underscores the dual action of improving and making more subtle changes.

renovate and upgrade

Specifically refers to physical or structural improvements and advancements.

remodel and enhance

Involves altering the form or structure, then improving the overall quality.

update and ameliorate

Focuses on bringing something current while also making it better.

rectify and improve

Highlights correcting what is wrong and then enhancing the whole.

FAQs

How can I use "modify and improve" in a sentence?

You can use "modify and improve" when you want to express that something needs changes and enhancements to become better. For example, "We need to "modify and improve" our current marketing strategy to reach a wider audience".

What is a good alternative to "modify and improve"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "revise and enhance", "adapt and refine", or "adjust and upgrade".

Is it redundant to use "modify and improve" together?

Sometimes, it can be. Ensure that both actions are necessary and that the context warrants both alteration and enhancement. If only one is needed, use that specific term instead.

In what contexts is "modify and improve" most commonly used?

"Modify and improve" is frequently used in contexts related to technology, processes, and systems, where changes are made to enhance performance or functionality. According to Ludwig, it's also common in scientific and academic discussions.