this could improve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could improve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that a certain action or change has the potential to enhance a situation or outcome. Example: "If we implement these new strategies, this could improve our overall productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could improve the lives of many.

The Economist

This could improve their sensitivity, McEuen says.

MIT Technology Review

This could improve and facilitate clinical translation.

Acta Biomaterialia

"This could improve the yield by 10-20 times," Nakamura says.

The Guardian - Tech

Over time, it said, this could improve the private sector business environment.

The Guardian - Business

This could improve the level of support of complex systems at very low cost, without impacting billets at the station.

Harvard University

If such weak signals can be timely detected and correctly interpreted, this could improve awareness and thus possibilities for intervention.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

Biotech trait expression could also be limited to roots to minimise expression in harvested parts, and this could improve public acceptability.

Advances in Botanical Research

Insights like this could improve building safety, and researchers at University College London are using such models to look for better crowd-management measures for the Notting Hill carnival.

The Guardian

As Mr Davies points out, "I said they should be able to offer to work for less if they wanted to do so" in cases where they felt this could improve their chances of employment.

The Guardian

A Con Ed spokesman, Michael Clendenin, said the utility would also test alternative power systems using transformers and temporary cables, but it was unclear when or how significantly this could improve service.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this could improve", ensure the subject of 'this' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'Implementing the new system could improve', specify 'Implementing the new system could improve efficiency'.

Common error

Avoid using "this could improve" without a clear antecedent for 'this'. Readers may struggle to understand what specific action or situation you are referring to. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could improve" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential. It suggests that a particular action or situation has the capacity to lead to a positive outcome or enhancement, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this could improve" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of enhancement or positive change. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the subject of 'this' is well-defined to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives such as "this might enhance" or "this may ameliorate" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Understanding its proper usage and context will help you communicate effectively and precisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this might enhance

Replaces 'could' with 'might', suggesting a slightly lower degree of certainty.

this can enhance

Substitutes 'could' with 'can' and 'improve' with 'enhance', indicating a strong possibility of improvement.

this may ameliorate

Substitutes 'improve' with 'ameliorate', indicating a focus on making something better, especially a bad situation.

this can refine

Replaces 'improve' with 'refine', suggesting a focus on making something more precise or subtle.

this could strengthen

Uses 'strengthen' instead of 'improve', emphasizing the act of making something more robust or resilient.

this can boost

Replaces 'improve' with 'boost', suggesting a quick and significant increase or enhancement.

this might alleviate

Uses 'alleviate' instead of 'improve', indicating a reduction in pain, suffering, or difficulty.

this may provide benefits

Rephrases to focus on the provision of benefits, implying an improvement in overall well-being or positive outcomes.

this could facilitate progress

Replaces 'improve' with 'facilitate progress', focusing on enabling advancement or forward movement.

this could lead to betterment

Replaces 'improve' with 'lead to betterment', emphasizing the result of improvement as an overall positive change.

FAQs

How can I use "this could improve" in a sentence?

You can use "this could improve" to suggest a potential positive outcome from a specific action or change. For example, "Investing in employee training "this could improve" productivity".

What can I say instead of "this could improve"?

You can use alternatives like "this might enhance", "this may ameliorate", or "this can boost" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "this could improve" or "this will improve"?

"This could improve" suggests a possibility, while "this will improve" indicates a higher degree of certainty. The choice depends on the level of confidence you have in the outcome.

What's the difference between "this could improve" and "this should improve"?

"This could improve" suggests a potential outcome, while "this should improve" implies an expectation based on reasoning or evidence. The latter carries a stronger sense of anticipation.