On the basis of the F‐expansion method with a new sub‐equation and Exp‐function method, an improved F‐expansion method is introduced. As illustrative examples, the exact solutions expressed by exponential function, hyperbolic function of Kudryashov–Sinelshchikov equation for arbitrary α,β are derived. Some previous results are extended. The method is straightforward, concise and is a promising and powerful method for other nonlinear evolution equations in mathematical physics. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.