improving

/ɪmˈpruːv/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌɪmprˈuvɪŋ] /ɪmˈpruːv/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌɪmprˈuvɪŋ] /im-ˈprüv/ (ame, mw)

improving — verb

  • improvingpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • improvings3rd person singular
  • improvinging-ing form
  • improvingedpast simple

1. to become better in quality, level, or condition; to bring something to a higher

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to become better in quality, level, or condition; to bring something to a higher standard

例句

Jiwoo is improving her Spanish by talking with native speakers online.

progressive aspect: be + improving + noun phrase for ongoing change

The weather improved in the afternoon, so we decided to go to the beach.

同義詞
  • enhance

    more formal; often used for adding desirable qualities (e.g., enhance flavor, enhance security)

  • upgrade

    suggests replacing with a newer or better version, especially for technology or memberships

  • boost

    implies a quick or significant increase, often in numbers, energy, or confidence

反義詞
  • worsen

    to become worse or make something worse; the direct opposite

  • decline

    to become weaker or less good, typically used for health, quality, or standards

文法句型

improve + noun phrase

improve (no object)

用法筆記

Frequently used both transitively (improve + noun phrase) and intransitively (subject + improve, no object). The form improving commonly appears in progressive tenses and as a gerund (e.g., Improving your diet helps you feel more energetic). For ongoing progress, the present perfect (has/have improved) sounds more natural than the simple past.

常見錯誤

❌I want to improve my English skill.
✅I want to improve my English skills.
💡'Skill' is countable here; use the plural when referring to general language abilities.
❌His English improved a lot last month.
✅His English has improved a lot since last month.
💡The present perfect is more natural for progress that continues into the present.