remembering better times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remembering better times" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when reflecting on past experiences that were more positive or enjoyable than the present. Example: "As she looked through old photographs, she found herself remembering better times." Alternative expressions include "reminiscing about happier days" and "reflecting on more joyful moments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

His hands are clasped behind his back, and Ms. Tucci imagines him remembering better times.

The New York Times

Other researchers have used Dr. Baumeister's discoveries to explore ways to help people increase their self-control, including using self-affirmation exercises and remembering better times.

The New York Times

"You should have treated me the way you said you would," she sang wistfully in "Leavin'," as if she were remembering better times.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

On the other side is a row of cheap bars and cafés, where beer costs a dollar for a litre bottle and former sportsmen remember better times.

The Guardian

He is served nostalgia in spades by officers who remember better times, but the nostalgia is founded on truth: before, seafarers had a hard job but they had enough time ashore to lighten that work.

The Guardian - Books

It's not his finest moment, but to remember better times, here are his highlights: By 2008, Hardy had already cropped up in Star Trek: Nemesis, Layer Cake and Black Hawk Down, but it wasn't until Guy Ritchie's patchy yet commercially successful crime caper that people really started to take notice.

The Guardian - Film

Hazaa's father, Majid, who is in his 80s, remembers better times when he cultivated crops by the River Jordan before the land there was confiscated and turned into an Israeli military zone.

BBC

He refers to this as "comfort marketing"—making people remember better times and forget their troubles for a moment.

Vice

Remember better times.

WikiHow

The Thai economy has suffered along with that of the rest of the world, and people here remember better economic times under Mr. Thaksin.

The New York Times

It wants to remember some better times; it wants its cultural history more widely acknowledged; it is tired of doing penance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remembering better times" to evoke a sense of nostalgia or contrast with the present. It's particularly effective when discussing personal reflections, historical shifts, or character development in storytelling.

Common error

Avoid using "remembering better times" in contexts that are already excessively sentimental or cliché. It can come across as contrived. Instead, opt for more nuanced or specific language to convey the intended emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remembering better times" functions primarily as a nominal phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As supported by Ludwig, it describes the act of recalling more favorable periods or experiences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remembering better times" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey nostalgia or reflect on more positive past experiences. As demonstrated by Ludwig, its neutral tone makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, especially within news, media, personal reflections, and storytelling. While versatile, avoid overuse in overly sentimental contexts to maintain impact. Consider related phrases like "reminiscing about happier days" or "recalling fond memories" for nuanced expression. The linguistic analysis underscores its function as a nominal phrase that evokes specific emotional and communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reminiscing about happier days

Focuses on the act of reminiscing, implying a pleasant recollection of happier periods.

recalling fond memories

Highlights the positive and affectionate nature of the memories being recalled.

thinking back to golden days

Emphasizes a past era perceived as particularly positive or prosperous.

reflecting on more joyful moments

Centers on specific moments of joy experienced in the past.

dwelling on positive past experiences

Suggests a more prolonged contemplation of favorable past events.

looking back at brighter days

Implies a contrast between a more positive past and a potentially less positive present.

cherishing past joys

Emphasizes the value and importance placed on past moments of happiness.

evoking pleasant recollections

Focuses on the act of bringing pleasant memories to mind.

idealizing bygone eras

Suggests a tendency to view the past in an overly positive or romanticized light.

nostalgizing about favorable times

Highlights the feeling of nostalgia associated with past periods of positivity.

FAQs

How can I use "remembering better times" in a sentence?

You can use "remembering better times" to express nostalgia or a longing for the past. For example, "He found solace in "remembering better times" when his family was whole".

What phrases are similar to "remembering better times"?

Similar phrases include "reminiscing about happier days", "recalling fond memories", or "thinking back to golden days". All these alternatives evoke a sense of positive reflection on the past.

Is it grammatically correct to say "remembering better times"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Remembering" functions as a gerund, and "better times" serves as the object of the gerund, forming a coherent and understandable phrase.

When is it appropriate to use "remembering better times" in writing?

It is suitable when you want to highlight a contrast between a positive past and a less favorable present, or when focusing on the nostalgic reflection of past experiences. Ensure the context warrants the emotional tone the phrase conveys.