in a better light

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a better light" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use it when you want to express that something was seen or perceived in a more positive, favorable, or advantageous way. For example, "The scientist was able to look at the data from the experiment in a better light and draw more accurate conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This puts the disciplined Communists in a better light.

The New Yorker

Collections also need to be shown in a better light, at times literally.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps we could have some drama which portrays the 70s in a better light.

The Guardian

But he was not averse to helping them present themselves in a better light.

The New York Times - Arts

I hope it gets looked at in a better light the more it's talked about.

The Guardian - Sport

It was an opportunity to put Poland in a better light with America's ever-suspicious Jews.

The Economist

And that's what our kids want, an opportunity to show themselves in a better light".

The New York Times - Sports

Policymakers and central bankers may also portray the situation, and their own efforts, in a better light than is appropriate.

The New Yorker

"There he is," D'Errico said of Kiraly, lifting his shades to see his idol in a better light.

The New York Times - Sports

Will history look on Iraq in a better light 10 years from now? "I hope so," he said softly.

The New York Times - Magazine

"That was just the desire of a French moviemaker to present him in a better light than he was".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "in a better light" when you want to emphasize a positive change in perception or understanding of something. For example, "The new evidence allowed them to see the situation "in a better light".

Common error

Avoid using "in a better light" when you simply mean 'improved'. The phrase implies a shift in perspective, not just a general betterment. For example, saying 'The product was released in a better light' is incorrect; instead, say 'The product was improved'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a better light" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a way or manner in which something is viewed or presented. The phrase modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverbial phrase to show a more favorable perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a better light" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to convey a more positive or favorable perception of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with neutral formality. When writing, remember that the phrase implies a change in perspective, not just a general improvement. Alternatives include "in a more positive way" and "to portray more favorably". The phrase is well-supported by examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, making it a reliable choice for expressing a shift towards a more positive view.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a more favorable light

Synonymous, but emphasizes the favor or advantage gained.

to portray more favorably

Directly states the act of portraying in a more positive manner.

to cast in a positive light

Uses "cast" as a verb, emphasizing the act of projecting positivity.

in a more advantageous light

Highlights the benefits or advantages conferred.

in a more positive way

Focuses on the positivity of the portrayal, rather than the illumination aspect.

to show in a good light

Simpler and more direct way of expressing the same idea.

in a more flattering light

Emphasizes making something appear more attractive or appealing than it really is.

to present in a more appealing way

Shifts focus to the attractiveness and allure of the presentation.

in a more attractive manner

Highlights the aesthetic appeal of the presentation.

in an enhanced perspective

Focuses on improving the view or understanding of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a better light" to indicate a more positive or favorable perception. For example, "The new evidence helped present the defendant "in a better light"".

What are some alternatives to "in a better light"?

Alternatives include "in a more positive way", "in a more favorable light", or "to portray more favorably".

Is it always appropriate to use "in a better light"?

The phrase is appropriate when there's a shift in how something is perceived, usually due to new information or circumstances. If there is just general betterment without change in perception, other phrase should be used.

What's the difference between "in a better light" and "in a good light"?

"In a better light" implies a change from a previous, less favorable perception. "In a good light" simply means something is being viewed positively without necessarily contrasting with a previous view.