it has aged better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has aged better" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the quality or relevance of something over time, often in relation to how well it has stood the test of time compared to other things. Example: "Despite being released decades ago, the film has aged better than many of its contemporaries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Sports

TV & Radio

Tech

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That's why it has aged better than the Brat Pack titles it's typically associated with.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's no coincidence that both novels are about how easily children can be warped or damaged, but of the two it is the shorter, sharper Great Expectations that has aged better.

The Guardian - Books

Though the score has aged better than the film, it was dismissed at the time as overcooked and inane, its reception coincided with major shifts in musical tastes (disco was emerging).

The New York Times - Arts

Twenty-two years on, the picture has aged better than we have; it both feeds our hunger for sensation and scorns our impatient need to have it all right now — apocalypse is, whatever the title claims, always waiting round the river bend.

The New Yorker

In his introduction to Make Believe, Patrick French argues for Instead of a Letter as "an eminently realistic feminist text, which has aged better than its contemporaries such as The Golden Notebook and The L-Shaped Room".

The Guardian - Books

Comparatively, Journey has aged better.

The Guardian - Books

How he has aged better than Hakeem Olajuwon this past season is a mystery.

The New York Times - Sports

With the help of the Sunday Times, and Ralph Nader – I have to say clever Harry Evans, seen here in his finest moment, has aged better – David won.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even if you tend to come down on Orwell's side here, you have to admit that Waugh's comic vision has aged better than Orwell's tragic one.

The New York Times - Books

The nostalgia is not for "Star Wars" whole cloth, nor for the silliest and flimsiest spit-and-glue parts of the franchise, but for the darker, sleeker stuff that has aged better.

The New Yorker

King's album sold millions and is generally considered the first true blockbuster of the rock era; Mitchell's sold about a tenth as much but has aged better critically and is regarded the more erudite and influential album (though part of that could be because rock critics still seem to relate best to lyrics, Mitchell's greatest strength, while King's poetry has always been in her melodies).

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing art or media, use "it has aged better" to express that a work's themes or style still resonate with modern audiences.

Common error

Avoid using "it has aged better" to describe something currently being created or that has not yet stood the test of time. This phrase is best used to reflect on something from the past.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has aged better" functions as a comparative statement, evaluating the enduring quality or relevance of something over time. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

12%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Sports

5%

TV & Radio

4%

Tech

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it has aged better" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to compare the lasting quality or relevance of something, particularly in media, arts, and literature. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. The phrase implies that something has not only survived the test of time but has also maintained or even improved its appeal compared to others. When writing, it's best to use this phrase when reflecting on something from the past and comparing its endurance to something else, avoiding its misuse in the present tense. Alternatives such as "it has stood the test of time" and "it has worn well" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has stood the test of time

Emphasizes the durability and continued relevance of something.

it has worn well

Suggests that something has maintained its quality despite age.

it has held up well

Indicates that something remains in good condition or relevant.

it has matured gracefully

Implies an improvement in quality or appeal with age.

it has proven its worth over time

Highlights the lasting value and significance of something.

it remains relevant today

Focuses on the continued applicability and importance of something.

it has retained its appeal

Highlights the enduring attractiveness or interest of something.

it has maintained its quality

Emphasizes the preservation of a high standard over time.

it has endured gracefully

Focuses on the positive way something has persisted through time.

time has been kind to it

Suggests that something has benefited from the passage of time.

FAQs

How can I use "it has aged better" in a sentence?

You can use "it has aged better" to compare the enduring quality of something against something else. For instance, "The original novel "it has aged better" than the movie adaptation".

What's a good alternative to "it has aged better"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it has stood the test of time", "it has worn well", or "it remains relevant today", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean when something is said to have "aged better"?

When something is described as having "aged better", it means that its quality, relevance, or appeal has endured over time, often in comparison to something else that has not fared as well. It implies a favorable comparison regarding longevity and continued value.

Is it appropriate to use "it has aged better" in formal writing?

Yes, "it has aged better" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly technical, it clearly and effectively conveys the idea that something has maintained its quality or relevance over time. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.