it has been better

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "it has been better" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is not as good as it was in the past. For example, "I used to love going to the beach, but lately it has been better to stay inside because of the crowds and the heat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

If anything, it has been better than its rivals in standing up to prying governments in both America and China.That said, conflicts of interest will become inevitable especially with privacy.

The Economist

"But it has been better, too.

Independent

It has been better," she improvised, "in some ways.

The New Yorker

On the other hand, for laptops, it has been better to choose high-end computers, and then match the replacement cycle to the specific uses.

Advances in Computers

Google, he says, has more often avoided public criticism simply because it has been better at avoiding those kinds of scandals.

The Washington Post

But there have been times where it has been better and others where the reality is just nerves or something gets in the way a little bit.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Could it have been better?

The New York Times - Sports

Could it have been better organized?

The New York Times

Could it have been better thought out?

The Guardian - Opinion

But would it have been better for this community?

The New York Times

Would it have been better to keep it going?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has been better" to indicate an improvement or a more positive situation compared to a previous state or condition. Ensure the context clearly establishes what is being compared for the improvement to be understood.

Common error

Don't use "it has been better" without specifying what 'it' refers to and what it is better than. Provide context to avoid ambiguity and ensure your reader understands the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been better" primarily functions as a statement of comparative improvement. It indicates that a particular situation or condition has transitioned to a more favorable state. Ludwig examples confirm its usage across various contexts to express positive change.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

12.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

12.5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has been better" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that a situation or condition has improved over time. According to Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for describing scenarios where something has transitioned to a more favorable state. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in scientific and academic discussions. While versatile, ensure the context clearly establishes the comparison being made. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "it has improved" or "it is an improvement" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has improved

Emphasizes the action of becoming better, rather than the state of being better.

it's a change for the better

Expresses that the change has resulted in a positive outcome.

it is an improvement

Focuses on the fact of being better, omitting the "been" aspect, but retains the core meaning of betterment.

it's a welcome change

Highlights that a specific change is positive, desirable and well received.

it has become preferable

Indicates a shift in preference due to an improvement.

it's a step up

Suggests progress or advancement to a superior level, implying that the situation is better now.

it is superior now

Highlights the current superiority compared to a previous state.

it is more advantageous

Emphasizes the benefits and advantages gained from an improved state.

it's in better condition

Focuses on the state of something being in improved shape or form.

things have turned around

Implies a complete reversal from a negative state to a positive one.

FAQs

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

Use "it has been better" to describe an improvement or a more favorable situation compared to a previous one. For example, "Since the new management took over, "it has been better" in terms of employee morale".

What are some alternatives to "it has been better"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it has improved", "it is an improvement", or "it's a step up".

When is it appropriate to use "it has been better"?

Use "it has been better" when you want to express that a situation, condition, or thing is now in a more positive or improved state than it was previously. Always ensure the context makes the comparison clear.

What is the difference between "it has been better" and "it is better"?

"It has been better" implies a change over time, suggesting an improvement from a past state to the present. "It is better" simply states that something is superior without necessarily implying a change over time.