Improve on sth Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Improve on sth” Mean?

“Improve on sth” means to make something better than it was before, especially when comparing to an original version or performance.

Introduction

The phrase “improve on sth” is a common phrasal verb used in English to describe the act of enhancing or making progress beyond an existing state or quality. The “sth” stands for “something,” which can refer to an object, an idea, a skill, or a performance. Understanding the improve on sth meaning helps learners express how they or others have made changes that lead to better results. For example, you might improve on a recipe by adding new ingredients or improve on your previous exam score. This phrase highlights the comparison between the original and the improved version, making it useful in many everyday conversations and writing.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: improve on something
• Type: transitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: to make something better than before

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Improve on sth” is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object (something) either immediately after “improve” or after “on.”

• improve on something (most common)
• improve something (less common, but possible in informal contexts)

Examples:

• She improved on her last performance.
• They want to improve the design.

How to Use “Improve on sth”?

Use “improve on sth” when you want to say that someone has made a better version of something or done better than before. It often involves comparison with an earlier version or standard.

It is commonly used in contexts like work, studies, sports, technology, or creative projects. For example, when talking about improving on a previous result or method, this phrase fits perfectly.

Examples

Here are some natural sentences that show how to use “improve on sth in a sentence”:

• She improved on her last essay by adding more detailed examples.
• The company improved on the original model by increasing battery life.
• He always tries to improve on his previous running time.
• We need to improve on the quality of our customer service.
• Can you improve on this design to make it more user-friendly?

Common Mistakes

Sometimes learners confuse “improve on” with “improve” or use it incorrectly. Here are some examples to avoid:

• Incorrect: I want to improve on my English skills. (This is correct)
• Incorrect: I want to improve my English skills on. (Wrong word order)
• Incorrect: She improved the on her project. (Wrong placement)
• Correct: She improved on her project by adding new ideas.

Remember, “improve on” requires an object after “on,” and the phrase should not be split incorrectly.

Differences / Synonyms

“Improve on sth” is similar to “make better” or “enhance,” but it always implies comparison with something existing.

Compare with:

• Improve sth: Focuses on making something better but not necessarily comparing with an earlier version. Example: “We need to improve the system.”
• Build on sth: Means to develop or add to something, not always to make it better. Example: “We will build on last year’s success.”
• Work on sth: Means to spend time trying to improve or fix something, without the direct comparison. Example: “She is working on her presentation.”

“Improve on” specifically highlights surpassing a previous standard or version.

Common Collocations

Here are some common objects used with “improve on” and their meanings:

• Performance: To do better than before in a task or event.
• Design: To create a better version of a product or plan.
• Result: To achieve a better outcome than previously.
• Method: To develop a more effective way of doing something.
• Score: To achieve a higher number in tests or games.

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “improve on sth”:

Anna: I think I can improve on my last painting.

Tom: That sounds great! What will you change?

Anna: I want to improve on the colors and make them more vibrant.

Tom: I’m sure it will look amazing!

Practice

Try to complete the sentence with the correct form of “improve on sth”:

• She wants to __________ her previous test score by studying harder.
• The engineers are working to __________ the old software.
• Can you __________ this report before the meeting?

FAQs

• What does “improve on sth” mean? It means to make something better than it was before.
• Is “improve on” separable? Yes, but usually “improve on” is followed directly by the object.
• Can I say “improve something” instead? Yes, but “improve on something” emphasizes surpassing a previous version.
• Is “improve on” formal or informal? It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• What are common words used with “improve on”? Performance, design, result, method, score are common collocations.