Improve vs. Enhance

Both verbs are concerned with making something better but they have some subtle differences in meaning and grammar. follow the lesson to find out more.

What is the difference between 'improve' and 'enhance'?

Both 'improve' and 'enhance' are concerned with becoming better or obtaining better qualities. However, 'enhance' can imply an increase in quality or value in addition to becoming better. This lesson will further clarify the differences between these two verbs.

Context of Use

'Improve' means to make something better by boosting its quality, condition, or performance. It is concerned with positive changes that bring about progress, development, or advancement. 'Enhance', on the other hand, is concerned with making something better by increasing its value or making it more appealing, attractive, or effective. It often implies an upgrade that increases the overall quality or impact.

She took additional courses to improve her language skills.

The new software update will improve the performance of the computer system.

The museum used modern lighting techniques to enhance the artworks' visual impact.

The designer used bold colors to enhance the vibrancy of the artwork.

When talking about something that becomes better by an increase in some value, you cannot use 'improve' instead of 'enhance'.

Grammatical Difference

'Improve' is an ergative verb. A person or an entity can 'improve' by itself or someone else can 'improve' it. 'Enhance', on the other hand, is always transitive. An entity always needs an agent to 'enhance' it or make it become better. Take a look at the examples:

The renovations significantly improved the appearance of the old building.

'improve' as a transitive verb.

The appearance of the old building improved significantly after the renovations.

'improve' as an intransitive verb.

The company invested in a new website design to enhance user experience.

'enhance' is always transitive, you can't say 'the user experience enhanced'

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