he is getting better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "He is getting better" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when speaking about a person who is recovering from an illness or injury and has been making progress in their recovery. For example: "The doctor said that John is getting better - he should be able to go home from the hospital soon!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But he is getting better.

The New York Times

But he believes, he is getting better.

The New Yorker

So he is getting better.

The New York Times

What's more, he is getting better.

The Guardian - Sport

And he is getting better all the time.

The New York Times - Style

He was even reluctant to concede he is getting better.

The Guardian - Sport

He is getting better and he is getting closer.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

He's getting better.

The New York Times - Sports

He felt he was getting better.

The New York Times

I think he's getting better.

Independent

"I thought he was getting better.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is getting better" to express that someone's condition or skill is improving over time. Be clear about what aspect is getting better to provide context.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "he is getting better" implies complete recovery or mastery. Specify the area of improvement, such as "he is getting better at managing his time" rather than leaving it ambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is getting better" functions as a declarative statement, indicating an ongoing process of improvement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show its application across various contexts, especially when referring to improvements in health or skill.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is getting better" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating an ongoing process of improvement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, from informal conversations to news reports. It is often used to convey positive news or reassurance about someone's condition or skills. While generally neutral, it's essential to specify the area of improvement for clarity. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "his condition is improving" or "he is demonstrating progress". With its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources like BBC and The New York Times, it's a reliable and effective way to communicate positive development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is improving

Focuses on the continuous nature of the improvement, similar to the original phrase.

he is recovering

Highlights the process of returning to a normal state of health or strength.

he is on the mend

An idiomatic expression specifically referring to recovery from illness or injury.

he is showing progress

Emphasizes that there's noticeable advancement, even if gradual.

he is on the road to recovery

Emphasizes the journey and process of getting well again.

his condition is improving

Shifts the focus to the state of his health rather than his action.

he is healing

Refers specifically to physical or emotional wounds becoming better.

he is recuperating

Implies a period of rest and recovery, often from a more serious condition.

he is getting back on his feet

Suggests regaining stability and independence after a setback.

he is turning a corner

Indicates a critical point where improvement becomes evident after a period of difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "he is getting better" in a sentence?

Use "he is getting better" to indicate improvement in health, skills, or any other area. For example, "After weeks of therapy, "he is getting better" at walking again".

What's a more formal way to say "he is getting better"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "his condition is improving" or "he is demonstrating progress". These phrases offer a more professional tone.

What can I say instead of "he is getting better" when referring to emotional recovery?

When referring to emotional recovery, you can use phrases like "he is healing" or "he is recovering emotionally", which specifically address emotional well-being.

Is it appropriate to use "he is getting better" in professional communication?

Yes, it's appropriate, especially when providing updates on someone's progress. However, ensure the context is clear and the communication remains respectful and professional. You might also consider "he is showing progress" as a slightly more formal alternative.