struggle to improve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "struggle to improve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing efforts or challenges faced in the process of making progress or enhancing a skill, situation, or condition. Example: "Many athletes struggle to improve their performance, often facing setbacks along the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But among the top fifty there is a constant Darwinian struggle to improve selectivity.

The New Yorker

And now the struggle to improve on their 2-4 record is compounded by an offensive line in flux.

The New York Times - Sports

The county was in the forefront of the struggle to improve the lot of the working classes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The committee wrote: "The struggle to improve the profession and go beyond minimum standards is a universal goal".

The New York Times

Despite such developments, cash-strapped councils and the NHS face an uphill struggle to improve dementia services in a time of austerity.

The Guardian

Ratings agency Standard & Poor's said on Friday that weakening growth prospects showed the country would struggle to improve its financial stability and generate new jobs.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"In the Lower East Side, in Harlem, in Bed-Stuy," he said, "these owners stuck it out and struggled to improve their block, and improvements spread from their work.

The New York Times

The US, France and Spain have also struggled to improve wellbeing levels.

The Guardian - Business

The Greek government has struggled to improve tax collection.

The New York Times

AMR has struggled to improve its bottom line since teetering on the edge of bankruptcy last year.

The New York Times

Since then he has struggled to improve his standing with voters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "struggle to improve", ensure the context clearly indicates the area needing improvement. Provide specific details to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid vague statements when using "struggle to improve". Instead of saying "the company struggles to improve", specify which aspect of the company needs improvement, such as "the company struggles to improve its customer service" or "the company struggles to improve its profit margins".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struggle to improve" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intent. It typically follows a noun or pronoun, indicating the aim or goal of an action. This is consistent with examples provided by Ludwig, showcasing its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "struggle to improve" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that conveys the effort and difficulty involved in making something better. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, where it often describes ongoing efforts to overcome challenges. While alternatives like "strive to enhance" or "work hard to better" exist, "struggle to improve" effectively communicates the perseverance required. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specifying the area needing improvement prevents overgeneralization. Overall, "struggle to improve" is a versatile and effective phrase for describing the pursuit of progress amidst challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strive to enhance

Focuses on the effort to make something better, with "enhance" implying a higher degree of improvement.

work hard to better

Emphasizes the effort and dedication involved in making something better.

endeavor to advance

Highlights the attempt to move forward or make progress despite difficulty.

make an effort to ameliorate

Focuses on the effort to improve something, particularly a negative situation or condition.

exert oneself to refine

Highlights the effort to improve something by making small changes, aiming for perfection.

push oneself to perfect

Emphasizes the personal effort to achieve perfection in something.

go to great lengths to upgrade

Implies significant effort and resources are used to improve something.

try hard to ameliorate

Emphasizes the attempt to improve a difficult situation or condition.

take pains to rectify

Indicates careful and diligent effort to correct or improve something.

strain to elevate

Highlights the intense effort to raise something to a higher level.

FAQs

How can I use "struggle to improve" in a sentence?

You can use "struggle to improve" to describe the effort and difficulty in making something better, for example: "The team will "struggle to improve" its performance without better training".

What are some alternatives to "struggle to improve"?

Alternatives include "strive to enhance", "work hard to better", or "endeavor to advance", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "struggle to improve" or "struggling to improve"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "struggle to improve" generally refers to a future or ongoing effort, while "struggling to improve" suggests a present, continuous action. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "struggle to improve" and "trying to improve"?

"Struggle to improve" implies a greater degree of difficulty and effort compared to simply "trying to improve". "Struggle to improve" suggests facing significant challenges and resistance.