better spirits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better spirits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being in a more positive or cheerful mood, often after a period of feeling down or upset. Example: "After a long week, I finally feel like I'm in better spirits and ready to enjoy the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

They found Patty in much better spirits.

The New Yorker

"You can tell people are in better spirits," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Its author will certainly be in better spirits.

The New York Times - Books

That May, Oscar was, for once, in better spirits.

The New Yorker

He was in better spirits after the Royals won Game Two.

The New Yorker

"Everyone said go for it," said Franco, noticeably in better spirits.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

They look to have a better spirit.

The Times

This approach — suffused with an American "we can do it better" spirit — made grief the province of self-help rather than of the community.

The New Yorker

What is needed is an end to discretion and the recognition of autonomy in contracts, with the aim of reducing costs and promoting negotiation in a better spirit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Office landscape has been used in several major installations in the United States, following considerable popularity in Europe, but there are skeptics who question the basic claims of office-landscape supporters that less space is required and that the resulting democratization creates a better spirit and working relationship among staff members.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But he insisted: "I've rarely worked with a club side with a better spirit.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "better spirits" when you want to describe someone's improved mood, especially after a period of sadness or difficulty. For example, "After the good news, she was in much "better spirits"."

Common error

Avoid using "better spirits" in overly formal or clinical contexts. While grammatically correct, alternatives like "improved mood" or "more positive" may be more suitable in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better spirits" typically functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a preposition (e.g., "in better spirits"). It describes an improved emotional state, consistent with examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "better spirits" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an improved emotional state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, be mindful of the specific context and consider more formal alternatives like "improved mood" in certain settings. To ensure effective communication, use "better spirits" when describing a noticeable uplift in someone's mood following a period of negativity, and avoid it in overly formal situations where precision is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

higher spirits

Uses a comparative adjective to suggest an elevation in mood.

in a better mood

Rephrases the sentiment using "mood" instead of "spirits".

improved mood

Focuses directly on the emotional state; it's more concise and clinical.

more upbeat

Focuses on a positive and energetic attitude.

more cheerful

Emphasizes the expression of happiness and optimism.

more optimistic

Directly states a positive and hopeful state of mind.

feeling happier

Highlights the personal experience of increased happiness.

brighter outlook

Shifts the focus to a more optimistic perspective on the future.

relieved

Indicates a sense of comfort and release from stress or worry.

heartened

Suggests a renewed sense of courage and hope.

FAQs

What does it mean to be in "better spirits"?

Being in "better spirits" means experiencing an improvement in mood or emotional state, often after a period of feeling down or upset. It suggests a more positive and cheerful outlook.

How can I use "better spirits" in a sentence?

You can use "better spirits" to describe someone's improved emotional condition, like: "After a good night's sleep, he woke up in much "better spirits".".

What can I say instead of "better spirits"?

You can use alternatives like "higher spirits", "improved mood", or "more cheerful" depending on the context.

Is "better spirits" formal or informal?

"Better spirits" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in a variety of contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "improved mood".