things were looking up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things were looking up" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a positive change in circumstances or an improvement in a situation. Example: "After months of struggling to find a job, things were looking up when I received two offers in one week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Things were looking up.

The Economist

But things were looking up.

The New Yorker

Things were looking up for almost everyone.

The New York Times

The mood changed, things were looking up.

The Guardian - Sport

But things were looking up now.

Harvard Business Review

Last week things were looking up.

The New York Times

Things were looking up after that win.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Things are looking up, biographically.

The New Yorker

Already things are looking up.

The New Yorker

But things are looking up".

The New York Times

But now things are looking up.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things were looking up" to indicate a positive shift after a period of difficulty or stagnation. It effectively conveys optimism and progress in a concise manner.

Common error

Avoid using "things were looking up" when the situation is already positive or when there's no prior context of hardship. The phrase is most impactful when it highlights a noticeable improvement after a period of struggle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things were looking up" functions as an idiomatic expression to indicate that a situation is improving or becoming more promising. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "things were looking up" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that expresses optimism about an improving situation. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's versatile, using more formal alternatives might be preferable for academic writing. Remember to use this phrase when highlighting a positive shift after a period of difficulty and avoid using it when the situation is already positive or when there's no prior context of hardship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the situation was improving

Focuses on the state of affairs getting better.

circumstances were improving

Highlights the betterment of the surrounding conditions.

there was a turn for the better

Emphasizes a change from bad to good.

hope was on the horizon

Suggests the appearance of hope or positive prospects.

the outlook was brightening

Focuses on a more positive future perspective.

the tide was turning

Implies a shift in momentum towards a favorable outcome.

better times were coming

Expresses an expectation of improved conditions in the future.

a change for the better was happening

Highlights an active and positive transformation.

prospects were becoming more favorable

Focuses on the increasingly positive potential outcomes.

a glimmer of hope appeared

Indicates the emergence of a small sign of optimism.

FAQs

How can I use "things were looking up" in a sentence?

You can use "things were looking up" to express a positive change in circumstances. For example: "After months of searching, things were looking up when she finally got a job offer."

What is a good alternative to "things were looking up"?

Alternatives to "things were looking up" include "the situation was improving", "circumstances were improving", or "a turn for the better".

Is it appropriate to use "things were looking up" in formal writing?

While "things were looking up" is suitable for many contexts, more formal alternatives like "circumstances were improving" might be preferable in highly formal or academic writing.

What does it mean when someone says "things were looking up"?

When someone says "things were looking up", it means that a situation that was previously difficult or negative has started to improve, and there is reason to be optimistic about the future.