to get better

USAGE SUMMARY

"to get better" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is improving or being improved. For example, "I'm doing my best to get better at math."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's going to get better.

The New York Times - Sports

Or simply to get better.

The New York Times - Arts

He wanted to get better".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm going to get better".

The New York Times - Sports

You want to get better.

The New York Times - Sports

"We got to get better.

The New York Times - Sports

I need to get better.

Independent

Biddy started to get better.

The New Yorker

"We have to get better".

The New York Times

He's got to get better.

The New York Times - Sports

He continues to get better".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to get better" when you want to emphasize the process of improvement rather than a single, completed action. For example, "I am working hard to get better at playing the piano" suggests a continuous effort.

Common error

While similar, "to get better" often implies a recovery or gradual improvement, whereas "to become better" suggests a more transformative change. Choose the phrase that best fits the context of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to get better" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as an adverbial of purpose. It modifies a verb, explaining the reason or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to get better" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the desire or intention for improvement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and utilized across numerous contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business. While simple, its effectiveness in communicating purpose makes it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. Remember to consider subtle nuances compared to "to become better" and tailor your selection to the specific context of your writing for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to improve

This is a more concise and direct alternative using a single verb.

to make progress

Focuses on the advancement or development aspect of getting better.

to advance

Implies moving forward to a more developed or improved state.

to develop

Emphasizes growth and maturation, often over a period of time.

to get well

Specifically refers to recovering from an illness or injury.

to recover

Highlights the process of returning to a normal or healthy condition.

to turn the corner

An idiomatic expression indicating a significant improvement after a difficult period.

to come on

Emphasizes physical recovery, or getting stronger and healthier.

to pick up

Suggests a slight improvement or increase, especially after a decline.

to ameliorate

A more formal term for making something better or more bearable.

FAQs

How can I use "to get better" in a sentence?

You can use "to get better" to describe the process of improving a skill, recovering from an illness, or making something more effective. For example, "She is practicing every day "to get better" at playing the violin."

What are some alternatives to "to get better"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to improve", "to make progress", or "to advance".

Is it always appropriate to use "to get better" in formal writing?

While "to get better" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "to ameliorate" or "to enhance" might be preferable in certain academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "to get better" and "to become better"?

"To get better" typically refers to a gradual improvement or recovery, while "to become better" suggests a more significant or transformative change. For example, "He's working hard "to get better" at his job," implies gradual improvement, while "She wants "to become better" person," implies a more profound change in character or behavior.