things improve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things improve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or condition that is getting better over time. Example: "After implementing the new strategies, I noticed that things improve significantly in our sales figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Lifestyle

Travel

Business

Tech

Health

Film

TV & Radio

Science & Research

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Things improve from there.

The Guardian - Sport

Can things improve?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And, gradually, things improve.

The Guardian - Music

And then things improve.

The Guardian - Music

Will things improve in 2013?

The Economist

Things improve with time, however.

The Guardian

Things improve for the hits section.

Independent

Then things improve and they stop.

The New York Times - Science

On the far side things improve.

The Guardian - Travel

With their arrival, though, things improve immeasurably.

The New York Times

Will things improve now that there's a new economic team?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things improve" when referring to a general betterment or positive change in circumstances, rather than a specific, measurable outcome. For example, "After the new policy was implemented, things improve gradually."

Common error

Avoid using "things improve" when referring to a singular noun. Instead of saying "The economy things improve", use "The economy is improving" or "The economy improves".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things improve" primarily functions as an intransitive verbal phrase, describing a state of betterment or positive change. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase indicates progress or a turn for the better in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Lifestyle

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things improve" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey a positive change or betterment in various situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. While straightforward, it's essential to ensure it aligns with the subject it modifies, avoiding singular nouns. Alternatives like "conditions get better" or "situations improve" offer similar meanings. By understanding its nuances and common pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "things improve" into your writing to express optimism and progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conditions improve

Focuses on the state of affairs getting better.

situations get better

Emphasizes the enhancement of specific circumstances.

circumstances improve

Highlights the betterment of surrounding factors.

matters improve

Addresses the overall situation showing positive change.

the situation improves

Specific focus on particular situation to get better.

progress is made

Implies advancement or forward movement.

advancements occur

Highlights the occurrence of improvements or developments.

developments materialize

Suggests that positive changes are becoming a reality.

turn for the better

Indicates a shift towards a more favorable outcome.

the outlook brightens

Focuses on future expectations becoming more positive.

FAQs

How can I use "things improve" in a sentence?

You can use "things improve" to describe a situation that is getting better. For example: "After the new management took over, "things improve" significantly."

What are some alternatives to saying "things improve"?

You can use alternatives such as "conditions get better", "situations improve", or "matters improve" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "thing improves" instead of "things improve"?

No, "thing improves" is not generally correct when referring to a general situation. You would use "things improve" for multiple aspects getting better. If you are referring to a single item or aspect, then "the thing improves" could be correct, but awkward.

What's the difference between "things improve" and "are improving"?

"Things improve" implies a general tendency or pattern of improvement, while "things are improving" suggests an ongoing process happening at the moment. The first is more general, while the second is more specific.