things are not improving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things are not improving" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or condition that is stagnant or worsening over time. Example: "Despite our efforts to resolve the issues, it seems that things are not improving in the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"For the vast majority in Gaza, things are not improving," she said.

The New York Times

Jones agreed, noting mordantly: "I hope that sometime in between now and 2014, if things are not improving or they are fragile like they are now, somebody will come to the Congress and say the military has sacrificed enough.

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

Things are not improving.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"If things aren't improving by the second quarter," Mr. Toprak said, "we may see some more creative or aggressive incentive spending".

The New York Times

A Bush spokesman, Steve Schmidt, called Mr. Kerry pessimistic for "comparing the 1.5 million new jobs created since August to the Great Depression, and trying to tell America that things aren't improving".

The New York Times

It's incontestable that we live in difficult times and that younger generations in particular may be more acutely aware that things aren't improving any time soon, but is it a reach to say that fans of the Hunger Games are responding as much to the world around them as to the books?

The Guardian - Film

"If this administration can fix cybersecurity without regulation, they'll do it," says Lewis. "But a year from now, if things aren't improving, that's when they'll think about regulation".

Forbes

"We can't keep doing the same things we've always done and wonder why things aren't improving," STD Prevention and Control Services Director Susan Philips told San Francisco Weekly.

Huffington Post

Child 3: But they say CPS and City Hall have been closing down schools in their neighborhood for years, and things aren't improving.

Huffington Post

If the backstabber is someone in a position of authority, such as your boss, try to get a written record of the "clarification procedures" for fixing the situation that you've reached during your discussion.[3] This way, you can refer to the written record if things aren't improving or you get into deeper problems later on.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "things are not improving", provide context to explain what "things" refers to. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "things are not improving" as a standalone statement without specifying what "things" refers to. Always clarify the subject matter to provide a clear understanding for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things are not improving" functions as a statement or observation about a particular situation. Based on Ludwig AI's analysis, this phrase is commonly used to express concern or disappointment about the lack of progress or positive change. The word "things" acts as a general placeholder for a specific situation or condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things are not improving" serves as a straightforward way to express that a situation is either stagnant or declining. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news, wiki and science. It's important to provide specific context around what "things" refers to in order to ensure clarity. While the phrase itself is neutral, its impact can vary depending on the tone and surrounding information. Consider alternatives like "the situation is deteriorating" or "conditions are declining" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the situation is not getting better

States the absence of positive change directly.

the situation continues to decline

Implies that something went downhill previously and continues to do so.

the situation is deteriorating

Focuses on the worsening aspect of the situation.

conditions are declining

Highlights the decline in conditions.

matters are getting worse

Highlights a downward trend.

there's no progress being made

Emphasizes the lack of advancement.

the state of affairs is worsening

Focuses on the deterioration of the state of affairs.

the outlook remains bleak

Focuses on the pessimistic forecast.

the trend is negative

Points out the negative direction of the trend.

we're going backwards

Uses a more informal expression indicating regression.

FAQs

What does "things are not improving" mean?

The phrase "things are not improving" means that a particular situation or condition is not getting better; it may be staying the same or even worsening.

How can I use "things are not improving" in a sentence?

You can use "things are not improving" to describe various scenarios. For example: "Despite the new policies, "the economy is not improving"" or "After several weeks of treatment, "his condition is not improving"".

What are some alternative phrases for "things are not improving"?

Alternatives include "the situation is deteriorating", "conditions are declining", or "the situation is not getting better".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "things are not improving"?

It's appropriate when you want to express that a situation is stagnant or declining, especially after attempts to improve it have been made. Consider the context and choose the most accurate and impactful phrase.