things got better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things got better" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that has improved over time. Example: "After a difficult year, things got better when we found a new job and moved to a nicer neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Things got better.

The New Yorker

Things got better quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

So things got better.

The New York Times

Briefly, things got better.

Independent

Slowly, things got better.

The Guardian

On Wednesday night, things got better.

The New York Times - Sports

But then things got better.

The New York Times - Tech

When things got better, it recovered".

The New York Times

Things got better but I still had to be careful.

The New Yorker

Things got better after that, I'm glad to say.

The New York Times - Books

4. Have things got better under New Labour?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "things got better", ensure the context clearly indicates what "things" refers to. Be specific if needed to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "things got better" without specifying what "things" are. This can lead to confusion. Instead, clarify the subject, such as "the economy got better" or "my health got better".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things got better" functions as a declarative statement expressing that a situation or set of circumstances has improved. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. The phrase typically serves as the predicate of a sentence, following a subject that implies a previously negative or undesirable state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things got better" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate an improvement in circumstances. Ludwig AI analysis, together with numerous examples, demonstrate its versatility across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, its frequent occurrence in news, business, and scientific sources highlights its broad applicability. To ensure clarity, specify the subject when using this phrase. Related alternatives include "the situation improved" or "circumstances improved". Overall, "things got better" provides a straightforward way to convey positive change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the situation improved

Focuses on the condition rather than the general concept of things.

circumstances improved

Highlights that external factors became more favorable.

the outlook brightened

Emphasizes a more positive future perspective.

matters took a turn for the better

Suggests a distinct shift towards a more positive state.

the tide turned

Implies a significant reversal of fortune or circumstances.

conditions became more favorable

Highlights the positivity from favorable conditions.

the problem resolved itself

Implies an external resolution to a certain problem.

there was a turnaround

Focuses on the reversal of fortunes.

the situation ameliorated

A more formal way of saying things improved.

progress was made

Suggests advancement towards a better state.

FAQs

How can I use "things got better" in a sentence?

You can use "things got better" to describe an improvement in a situation. For example, "After the new management took over, "things got better" at the company".

What are some alternatives to saying "things got better"?

Some alternatives include "the "situation improved"", "circumstances improved", or "the "outlook brightened"", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "things get better" or "things got better"?

"Things get better" implies a present or future improvement, while ""things got better"" refers to an improvement that has already occurred. The choice depends on the timing you want to convey.

What's the difference between "things got better" and "things improved"?

While similar, ""things got better"" is more conversational. "Things improved" is slightly more formal and direct, focusing on the act of improvement itself.