on better days

USAGE SUMMARY

"on better days" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It is typically used when comparing present or current circumstances to a possible, more favorable situation in the future. Example: "On better days, I can run 5 miles without feeling tired, but today my legs are sore after just 3 miles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Although she cannot usually form real sentences, the words "cool", and "nice" are regularly coming out of her mouth; on better days, she tells everyone and anyone, "You know what?

HuffPost

She liked the twilight she had induced; even on better days than this she did.

The New Yorker

On better days, however, I see hypochondria as a curious blessing.

The Guardian

And then, on better days, I think, I know what he would say.

The New Yorker

Likewise, if you've just been made redundant and have mortgage payments to meet, you'll be banking on better days ahead.

Independent

They worry about their future, care about their neighbors and hope this storm will pass so they can focus on better days ahead.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

She is holding on for better days, amid news that a new Taco Bell is replacing a downtown apartment building once occupied by Sherwood Anderson.

The New York Times

"It was questionable whether they'd survive 2010, but now the company seems to be on track for better days".

Forbes

And here's to better days on Long Island".

The New York Times - Sports

"Don't focus on where you're at, focus on the better days to come," he counselled.

The Guardian - Music

"I have to caution myself and not judge right now and make sure that we look at them on their better days, as opposed to judging them on their worst days".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on better days" to contrast current struggles with potential future improvements, offering a sense of hope or anticipation. For example, "Even though sales are down now, on better days, we anticipate a strong rebound."

Common error

Avoid using "on better days" as a generic optimistic statement without specific context. It should ideally follow or precede a description of the current less favorable situation to provide a clear contrast. Otherwise, it lacks impact and can sound cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on better days" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when something is more likely or possible. As confirmed by Ludwig, it contrasts present circumstances with more favorable potential situations. Examples show its use in various contexts to indicate a hope for improvement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"On better days" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to express a contrast between a current, less favorable situation and a potential for improvement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate a time when conditions are more positive. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys hope or anticipation, tempering present difficulties. While the phrase enjoys a neutral register suitable for general communication, it is essential to avoid generic usage and provide clear contextual contrast. Consider alternatives like "when circumstances improve" or "on good days" to subtly shift the focus. Ultimately, "on better days" provides a nuanced way to express optimism grounded in realistic expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on good days

Simply uses "good" instead of "better" to indicate positive experiences.

when conditions are better

A more direct comparison of the current condition to a more preferable one.

when things are looking up

Focuses on the improvement of circumstances, rather than a specific day.

when circumstances improve

Highlights the conditional aspect of improved conditions in a broader sense.

in more favorable times

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of positive change.

in brighter moments

Focuses on specific instances of positivity rather than a whole day.

when fortune smiles

Introduces the concept of luck or chance playing a role in positive outcomes.

given more auspicious circumstances

Emphasizes the favorable or promising nature of the circumstances.

during more successful periods

Shifts the focus to periods defined by success.

in more advantageous situations

Highlights the beneficial nature of certain situations.

FAQs

How can I use "on better days" in a sentence?

Use "on better days" to express a contrast between a current, less desirable situation and a potential, more positive one. For example, "Today I struggled to finish the report, but "on better days", I can complete it in half the time."

What's a good alternative to "on better days"?

Alternatives include "when circumstances improve", "when things are looking up", or "on good days", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "in better days" grammatically correct compared to "on better days"?

While "in better days" might be understood, "on better days" is the more common and idiomatic expression. "On" specifies the condition or time frame more accurately.

How does the meaning of "on better days" differ from "in the past"?

"On better days" implies a recurring possibility of improvement in the future, while "in the past" refers to a time that has already occurred and may not return. "On better days" carries a sense of hope that "when conditions are better" things will improve, whereas "in the past" is simply a statement of a prior condition.