left on better terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left on better terms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the conclusion of a relationship or situation in a more positive or amicable manner than it began or could have ended. Example: "Despite the challenges we faced, we managed to resolve our differences and left on better terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Obviously I would have liked to have left on better terms, but for me and the club, it just didn't happen.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Creditworthy businesses today often can borrow on better terms, leaving Groupon to feed on the businesses that are not healthy enough to look elsewhere.

Huffington Post

The listing could even help it borrow on better terms.

The New York Times

If he leaves town, the Rangers are likely to wander for some time in the middle of the league, perhaps just above the middle, while striving fitfully to be on better terms with fortune.

The New Yorker

They are also now on better terms with their supporters.

Huffington Post

They did even better when compared with players who left on good terms: a 10.5% higher rating.The researchers' findings are, for the most part, intuitive.

The Economist

And still others left on bad terms.

The New York Times - Magazine

I eventually left on good terms.

The New York Times

"We left on good terms.

The New York Times - Sports

Some of these administrators left on good terms.

The New York Times

"We left on good terms," reflected Cook.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add more clarity, specify the actions or circumstances that led to the improved terms. This makes the statement more informative and credible.

Common error

While "left on better terms" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or business writing. Opt for more professional alternatives such as "concluded the partnership amicably" or "achieved a mutually beneficial resolution" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left on better terms" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb (e.g., "they left") to describe the manner in which someone departed from a situation or relationship. It indicates the quality or condition of the departure.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "left on better terms" is a phrase used to indicate that a relationship or situation ended more positively than it began. Ludwig AI analysis confirms the phrase is grammatically correct, though its usage is relatively rare. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "parted amicably" or "ended on a positive note". When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the initial state and the factors contributing to the improved terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

parted amicably

Focuses on the friendly nature of the separation itself.

ended on a positive note

Highlights the overall positive conclusion of the situation.

separated on good terms

Emphasizes the maintenance of a positive relationship while separating.

concluded on a high note

Suggests a triumphant or favorable ending to a situation or relationship.

resolved differences before departing

Implies active conflict resolution leading to a more harmonious separation.

improved relations prior to leaving

Stresses the betterment of the relationship before the departure.

mended fences before the exit

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate reconciliation before leaving.

reconciled before parting ways

Highlights a state of agreement and understanding before separation.

achieved a mutual understanding before separating

Indicates a shared agreement that made separation easier or more amicable.

departed with mutual respect

Highlights the presence of respect as a key element of amicable separation.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "left on better terms"?

It means the person concluded a relationship or situation in a more positive or amicable way than it initially was or could have been. This suggests some improvement or resolution occurred before the departure.

How can I use "left on better terms" in a sentence?

You can say, "Despite initial disagreements, they "left on better terms" after mediation" or "The company and the employee "left on better terms" following a successful negotiation."

What's the difference between "left on good terms" and "left on better terms"?

"Left on good terms" implies the relationship was already positive. "Left on better terms" suggests it improved before the departure, moving from potentially negative or neutral to positive.

Are there situations where using "separated amicably" is "better" than "left on better terms"?

Yes, "separated amicably" is often more appropriate in formal contexts, particularly when describing business partnerships or legal separations. It provides a more professional and less emotionally charged tone than "left on better terms".