get better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'get better' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you are trying to encourage someone who is feeling down. For example, you could say, "I know you're feeling sad right now, but I believe things will get better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Citizens get better services.

The Economist

"Get better".

The New York Times - Sports

They get better grades.

The New York Times

It'll get better".

The New Yorker

He didn't get better.

The New Yorker

"Will it get better?

The New York Times

"It will get better.

The New York Times - Sports

Thera would get better.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maybe it'll get better".

The New Yorker

"We'll get better.

The New York Times - Sports

It cannot get better.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get better" when you want to express the idea of improvement, whether in health, skills, or circumstances. It's versatile and widely understood.

Common error

While similar, "get well" is specifically for health recovery. Don't use it when referring to skill improvement; stick to "get better" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get better" functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating a process of improvement or recovery. Ludwig AI's examples show it used to express hope for someone's health or to describe the act of becoming more skilled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

23%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get better" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that signifies improvement in various aspects, from health to skills. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across different contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to consider the specific nuance you aim to convey, especially when choosing between "get better" and "get well". Remember, "get well" is reserved for health-related improvements. With its frequent usage across news, wikis, and scientific domains, understanding the context ensures you effectively communicate your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

improve

A more general term for becoming better; lacks the specific implication of recovery.

recover

Specifically refers to regaining health or a previous state after an illness or setback.

turn around

Implies a significant positive change or improvement in a situation.

make progress

Focuses on gradual advancement and development.

advance

Suggests moving forward and improving in a skill or area.

pick up

Indicates a slight improvement or increase, often in mood or activity.

gain ground

Implies making progress against opposition or difficulties.

come along

Suggests gradual improvement or development over time.

look up

Refers to an improvement in circumstances or a more optimistic outlook.

bounce back

Emphasizes a quick recovery from a negative situation or illness.

FAQs

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

You can use "get better" to express improvement in various contexts, such as health ("I hope you get better soon!"), skills ("I want to get better at playing the piano"), or situations ("Things will get better after the storm").

What are some alternatives to saying "get better"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "improve", "recover", or "make progress".

Is it always appropriate to use "get better"?

While "get better" is generally appropriate, consider the formality of the situation. In very formal settings, a more sophisticated alternative like "ameliorate" or "enhance" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "get better" and "get well"?

"Get better" is a broader term that can apply to improvement in various areas, while "get well" specifically refers to recovering from an illness or injury.