to ameliorate

USAGE SUMMARY

"to ameliorate" is an acceptable and commonly-used word in written English.
For example, "The manager's goal is to ameliorate customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

developed regulations to ameliorate them.

The New York Times

Arguably, it does nothing to ameliorate indeterminacy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"But I do not really expect to ameliorate anybody's pain.

The New York Times

Why is so little being done to ameliorate the danger?

The New York Times

Legislative and administrative changes have begun to ameliorate this condition.

The New York Times

Does the D.O.T. have any plans to ameliorate that area?

The New York Times

"I can't see they'd be able to ameliorate this".

The Guardian

It would be a way to ameliorate the excesses".

The New York Times

We have made serious efforts to ameliorate that antipathy".

The New York Times

Management had done little to ameliorate our stay.

The New York Times - Travel

Even to ameliorate segregation, the consideration of race was unconstitutional.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to ameliorate" when you want to convey a sense of improving something that is perceived as negative or problematic. It suggests a deliberate effort to make a situation better.

Common error

Avoid using "to ameliorate" when describing improvements to already positive situations. The word implies a need to correct or alleviate a negative condition, so it's less appropriate for general enhancements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to ameliorate" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase indicating purpose. It describes the intention behind an action, which is to improve or make better a situation perceived as negative. Ludwig highlights its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to ameliorate" is a versatile phrase used to express the intent to improve a negative situation. As Ludwig's AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and widely used in written English. While it is considered a formal term, you can find it across various fields, from News & Media to Science. Consider using alternatives like "to alleviate" or "to mitigate" for similar meanings. Remember to avoid using "to ameliorate" in already positive contexts. Overall, it's an effective way to convey the intent to improve situations that need fixing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to alleviate

This alternative carries a similar meaning of reducing suffering or difficulty, but may imply a temporary solution.

to mitigate

This alternative emphasizes reducing the severity or impact of something negative.

to improve

This alternative is a more general term for making something better, without necessarily focusing on a negative condition.

to ease

This alternative suggests making something less painful or burdensome.

to lessen

This alternative focuses on decreasing the amount or intensity of something negative.

to reduce

This alternative is a more direct term for decreasing something, often used in quantitative contexts.

to correct

This alternative is a more precise and clinical way to describe "to ameliorate".

to rectify

This alternative conveys the correction of something that is wrong.

to enhance

This alternative conveys a meaning closer to 'improve' instead of 'make better'.

to tackle

This alternative express an effort to deal with something.

FAQs

How can I use "to ameliorate" in a sentence?

Use "to ameliorate" when you want to express the intention to improve a negative situation. For example, "The new policies are designed "to ameliorate" the effects of poverty".

What are some alternatives to "to ameliorate"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "to alleviate", "to mitigate", or "to improve" as alternatives to "to ameliorate".

Is "to ameliorate" formal or informal?

"To ameliorate" is generally considered a formal term. In more casual settings, using simpler words like "improve" or "help" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "to ameliorate" and "to improve"?

"To improve" is a general term for making something better. "To ameliorate", on the other hand, specifically implies improving something that is already in a negative state. Therefore, "to ameliorate" carries a connotation of fixing a problem.