a marked improvement — a marked improvement
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
a very noticeable and clear improvement, often used to highlight a significant positive change in quality, ability, or situation.
Say it like a native
Textbook The data indicate a markedly significant amelioration in performance.
Native There's a marked improvement in performance.
'Amelioration' is rare and bookish; 'improvement' is the everyday word.
Pattern: a marked improvement (in something)
In use
- There has been a marked improvement in her English since she started taking private lessons.daily life
- In my opinion, there has been a marked improvement in public transport over the past decade, making it much more convenient for commuters.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ There's a marked improvement on his grades.
✓ There's a marked improvement in his grades.
'An improvement IN something', not 'on'.
Common collocations
a marked improvement in— in, show, see, since
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'an improvement' (any positive change), 'a marked improvement' stresses that the change is clear and easy to notice. It is more formal and specific than 'a big improvement'.