to improve that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to improve that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ways to enhance or make something better, referring to a specific aspect or item previously mentioned. Example: "We need to analyze the feedback from our customers to improve that aspect of our service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So we have to improve that".

Independent

"There had to be a way to improve that".

The New York Times

The nonprofit has wanted to improve that area for years.

The New York Times

The Justice Department needs to improve that record.

The New York Times

They are working very hard to improve that image.

Independent

Last year we lost six points against them and we have to improve that".

The Guardian - Sport

"It would force the government on a course of action to improve that".

The New York Times

She said she would form another commission to investigate ways to improve that record.

The New York Times

"There's opportunity for us to improve that," concedes a product manager.

The New York Times - Tech

Fortunately for the Giants, they may not need to improve that much.

The New York Times - Sports

Bank executives vow to improve that service, but maintain that making it a pillar of their advertising would not work.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to improve that", ensure the "that" clearly refers to a specific, previously mentioned item or aspect. This avoids ambiguity and makes your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "to improve that" when it's unclear what "that" refers to. If the context is ambiguous, specify the item or aspect you intend to improve for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to improve that" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase, often serving as an adverbial of purpose. It indicates the reason or goal behind an action, aligning with Ludwig AI’s assessment of its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Academia

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to improve that" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to express the intention of making something better. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, notably in news, science, and business sectors. The phrase’s effectiveness hinges on the clarity of the reference for "that", ensuring there's no ambiguity in what needs enhancement. Alternatives like "to enhance that" or "to refine that" can provide nuanced variations, maintaining the core message of striving for betterment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to enhance that

Uses a synonym for "improve", maintaining the infinitive structure and direct object.

to refine that

Focuses on making something more subtle and precise, implying a higher level of improvement.

to make that better

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the need for enhancement.

to ameliorate that

Implies making something bad better, often used in formal contexts.

to rectify that

Focuses on correcting something that is wrong or deficient.

to upgrade that

Suggests a move to a newer or better version of something.

to optimize that

Focuses on making something as effective or functional as possible.

to develop that further

Implies building upon an existing foundation to achieve a greater level of quality.

to build on that

Suggests using something as a foundation for further development.

to work on that

Implies effort and continuous process, rather than a finished task.

FAQs

What does "to improve that" mean?

The phrase "to improve that" means to make a specific thing or situation better than it currently is. It implies that there is a need for enhancement or correction.

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

You can use "to improve that" when you want to express the intention of making something better. For example: "The company is implementing new strategies "to improve that" customer service experience."

Are there alternatives to "to improve that"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "to enhance that", "to refine that", or "to ameliorate that" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "improving that" instead of "to improve that"?

While "improving that" can be grammatically correct in some contexts (e.g. "improving that situation requires effort"), it's often used as part of a longer verb phrase (e.g. "we are improving that process"). The infinitive form "to improve that" is generally used to express an intention or purpose.