The phrase "improves upon" means to enhance or make something better than it was before. Its correct spelling involves the pronunciation of a "v" sound in between "improves" and "upon." This sound is represented in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /v/. While some may mistakenly write "improves up on," the correct spelling adheres to the standard English phrase "improves upon." If unsure about spelling, consulting a dictionary or online resource can help clarify proper usage.