work to improve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'work to improve' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to describe someone or something that is taking steps to get better. For example: The company has been working to improve its customer service in recent months.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He promised to work to improve communications.

The New York Times

"We will work to improve it.

The Guardian

We constantly work to improve them.

Yale University

What we do is work to improve things for them.

The Guardian

Whatever the case, they can work to improve their model.

The Guardian

She explained: "This is extra work to improve ourselves.

The New York Times

So we don't have to work to improve our souls.

The New York Times

"The government is also doing considerable work to improve collection".

The New York Times

Experts continue to work to improve the program.

The New York Times

The government needs to work to improve how markets perform".

The Economist

Do charter schools work to improve student achievement?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and choose synonyms or related phrases when appropriate to maintain a formal, neutral, or informal register.

Common error

Avoid using "work to improve" without specifying what requires improvement. Instead of saying 'We need to work to improve', specify 'We need to work to improve customer satisfaction by addressing long wait times'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work to improve" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or objective behind an action or effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to express intention to make something better, demonstrating a commitment to positive change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

13%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work to improve" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression signifying an intention or effort to make something better. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to be applied across diverse contexts, from formal business settings to everyday conversations. The phrase functions as an infinitive of purpose, conveying a proactive approach towards achieving a positive outcome. While variations exist, using "work to improve" effectively requires clearly specifying the area targeted for enhancement to avoid ambiguity. Overall, "work to improve" is a valuable tool for communicating commitment and driving positive change in various aspects of life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attempt to better

Suggests an effort to make something superior.

strive to enhance

Focuses on active effort and enhancement.

try to advance

Emphasizes forward progress and development.

seek to refine

Implies a process of making something more polished or precise.

aim to develop

Highlights the goal of expansion or growth.

endeavor to ameliorate

Suggests a formal and determined effort to improve.

take steps to enhance

Focuses on the actions taken to achieve enhancement.

make an effort to refine

Highlights the conscious effort to achieve refinement.

undertake to ameliorate

Implies a formal commitment to making something better.

dedicate oneself to improve

Suggests a strong commitment and personal involvement in the improvement process.

FAQs

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

You can use "work to improve" to describe actions taken to make something better, such as "The company is working to improve its sustainability efforts" or "I am working to improve my communication skills".

What are some alternatives to "work to improve"?

Alternatives to "work to improve" include "strive to enhance", "endeavor to ameliorate", or "seek to refine" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "working at improving" instead of "work to improve"?

While "working at improving" is grammatically correct, "work to improve" is more concise and directly expresses the intention or purpose of the effort. Using "work to improve" typically emphasizes the goal, while "working at improving" emphasizes the ongoing process.

What's the difference between "work to improve" and "try to improve"?

"Work to improve" suggests a dedicated and sustained effort, while "try to improve" implies a less certain or more experimental approach. The former suggests a stronger commitment to achieving the desired outcome.