improve

improve — verb

1. to become better, or to make something better — for example, your English improv

1.動詞及物 / 不及物A2
釋義

to become better, or to make something better — for example, your English improves when you practise, or you improve a room by painting the walls.

例句

Sivan has been taking piano lessons, and her playing has improved a lot.

intransitive: improve without an object

The hotel manager promised to improve the breakfast service after guests complained.

transitive: improve + noun phrase (service/facilities/quality)

同義詞
  • enhance

    More formal than 'improve'; usually transitive and focuses on adding value to something already good rather than fixing problems.

  • better

    Less formal; can mean improving your position, rank, or circumstances, as in 'better oneself'.

  • upgrade

    Means replacing or installing something newer or better, like upgrading software or equipment.

  • refine

    Means making small, careful adjustments to improve precision or quality, often of details.

  • ameliorate

    Very formal; typically used for making a bad situation less unpleasant or severe.

反義詞
  • worsen

    To become or make something worse.

  • decline

    To become weaker, lower, or less good in quality or condition.

文法句型

improve + noun phrase (transitive)

subject + improve (intransitive)

improve + adverb (greatly, significantly)

improve + on/upon + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used both with and without an object. With an object (transitive), the subject actively makes something better. Without an object (intransitive), the subject itself becomes better. The pattern 'improve on/upon' adds the meaning of surpassing a previous standard or achievement.

常見錯誤

❌The weather improved up.
✅The weather improved.
💡'improve' does not need the particle 'up'.
❌I need to improve my English level.
✅I need to improve my English.
💡'improve' already implies raising the level; adding 'level' is redundant.
❌There was an improve in sales.
✅There was an improvement in sales.
💡'improve' is a verb; use 'improvement' as the noun form.