was getting better

USAGE SUMMARY

'was getting better' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation that is in the process of improving, for example: She was getting better at dancing after attending regular classes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Oghi was getting better.

The New Yorker

He felt he was getting better.

The New York Times

"I thought he was getting better.

The New York Times

"I thought it was getting better.

The New Yorker

She felt she was getting better.

The New York Times

Her grammar was getting better.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the money was getting better.

The New York Times

This was getting better and better.

The New York Times

"I knew it was getting better.

The New York Times - Sports

Every month it was getting better.

The Guardian

Nothing felt like it was getting better.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was getting better" to describe a gradual improvement over time, specifying the area of improvement for clarity. For example, instead of just saying "He was getting better", specify "His health was getting better".

Common error

Avoid using "was getting better" without providing context. Saying simply "Things were getting better" leaves the reader wondering what specifically was improving. Always specify what aspect is improving to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was getting better" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting the subject to a description of its state. It indicates a process of improvement or recovery, where the subject is undergoing a positive change. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was getting better" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation or subject undergoing improvement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its neutral register makes it versatile for use in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure to provide context to what is improving to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "was improving" or "was on the mend" can be used for variety. The prevalence and clarity of this phrase make it a reliable choice for expressing positive change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was improving

Uses a different verb to convey a similar meaning of becoming better.

was showing improvement

Explicitly states that there's visible progress or betterment.

was on the mend

Employs an idiomatic expression to indicate recovery or improvement.

was progressing well

Highlights the positive advancement in a situation or condition.

was becoming healthier

Specifically refers to an improvement in health or well-being.

was advancing

Focuses on the forward movement and positive development.

was recovering

Signifies a return to a normal state, especially after illness or difficulty.

was developing positively

Highlights the constructive growth and advancement over time.

was evolving positively

Indicates a gradual and favorable change or development.

was turning around

Suggests a reversal of a negative trend toward a more positive direction.

FAQs

How can I use "was getting better" in a sentence?

You can use "was getting better" to describe a process of improvement, such as "Her grades "were getting better" as she studied more" or "The weather "was getting better" after the storm".

What are some alternatives to "was getting better"?

Some alternatives include "was improving", "was on the mend", or "was progressing well". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "were getting better" instead of "was getting better"?

The choice between "was" and "were" depends on the subject. Use "was getting better" with singular subjects (e.g., "He was getting better"), and "were getting better" with plural subjects (e.g., "They were getting better").

What's the difference between "was getting better" and "got better"?

"Was getting better" describes an ongoing process of improvement over time. "Got better" describes a completed action of becoming better. For example, "He "was getting better" after therapy" indicates a gradual improvement, while "He "got better" after therapy" suggests a completed recovery.