was improved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was improved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has undergone a positive change or enhancement in the past. Example: "The software was improved significantly after the latest update, leading to better performance and user satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The food was improved.

Independent

Landscaping was improved.

The New York Times

The metro, too, was improved.

The Economist

Military equipment was improved substantially.

Encyclopedia Britannica

TEWL was improved, though not significantly.

Stanford University

Water delivery was improved, electrical service extended.

The New York Times

Friday was improved, Saturday better still.

The New York Times - Arts

Handicapped accessibility to the park was improved.

The New York Times

was improved by additional oligonucleotides.

Journal of Microbiological Methods

That time was improved to exponential via dynamic programming.

University of California, Berkeley

The result for the Indy was improved sales figures.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was improved", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect has been enhanced and, if possible, the method or reason for the improvement. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was improved" without specifying what specifically was enhanced. For example, instead of saying "The system was improved", specify "The system's efficiency was improved by 20%".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was improved" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that something has undergone a positive change or enhancement. It highlights the result of an action performed on a subject, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples such as "The food was improved" or "Landscaping was improved".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was improved" is a versatile and commonly used passive construction that indicates a positive change or enhancement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedic writing. To enhance clarity, specify what was improved and, ideally, how. While alternatives like "was enhanced" or "was upgraded" exist, "was improved" offers a broad and reliable way to convey that something has been made better. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "was improved" to communicate positive outcomes in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was enhanced

Focuses on the amplification or intensification of a quality or feature, suggesting a more noticeable betterment.

was upgraded

Implies a specific advancement to a newer or better version or level, often in a technical context.

was refined

Suggests the removal of impurities or imperfections, leading to a more polished and superior state.

was ameliorated

Highlights the alleviation of negative conditions or problems, resulting in an improved situation.

was optimized

Focuses on maximizing efficiency or effectiveness, indicating that something has been adjusted for best performance.

was developed

Implies growth or advancement, focusing on achieving a more advanced or complete form.

was augmented

Focuses on the addition of something to enhance or complete it, suggesting an increase in value or functionality.

was advanced

Suggests progress to a higher level, often in terms of knowledge, skill, or technology.

was boosted

Implies an increase in power, strength, or success.

was modernized

Suggests that something has been updated to current standards, often implying technological upgrades.

FAQs

How can I use "was improved" in a sentence?

You can use "was improved" to describe something that has been made better. For instance, "The software's performance "was improved" after the update" or "The building's accessibility "was improved" with the addition of ramps".

What are some alternatives to saying "was improved"?

Alternatives to "was improved" include "was enhanced", "was upgraded", or "was refined". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify how something "was improved"?

While not always mandatory, specifying how something "was improved" adds clarity and impact to your writing. It provides readers with a clearer understanding of the positive change that occurred.

What's the difference between "was improved" and "became better"?

"Was improved" implies a deliberate action to make something better, while "became better" suggests a more gradual or natural process of enhancement. For example, "The product "was improved" through rigorous testing", versus "His health "became better" after changing his diet".