In 15 Seconds
- A phrase used to give hope during difficult times.
- Means that the current bad situation is only temporary.
- Best used with friends, family, or colleagues in distress.
Meaning
This phrase is a way to tell someone that their current problems are temporary. It means that life will improve and the future will be better than today.
Key Examples
3 of 6Comforting a friend after a breakup
I know it hurts now, but things will get better.
I know it hurts now, but things will get better.
Encouraging a coworker after a failed project
Don't be too hard on yourself; things will get better next quarter.
Don't be too hard on yourself; things will get better next quarter.
Texting a friend who is sick
Rest up! Things will get better once you get some sleep.
Rest up! Things will get better once you get some sleep.
Cultural Background
There is a strong emphasis on 'The American Dream' and individual optimism. 'Things will get better' is often followed by 'if you work hard.' Often associated with the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' attitude. It's a way of showing 'stiff upper lip' resilience. The phrase is frequently used in 'wholesome' memes and support groups to build community and provide low-stakes comfort. Used by managers during 'change management' or layoffs to maintain morale, though it can sometimes be seen as insincere.
Add 'I promise'
To make the phrase sound more sincere and comforting, add 'I promise' or 'I'm sure' at the end.
Don't over-use it
If you say it too many times to the same person, it might start to sound like you aren't listening to their problems.
In 15 Seconds
- A phrase used to give hope during difficult times.
- Means that the current bad situation is only temporary.
- Best used with friends, family, or colleagues in distress.
What It Means
This phrase is like a warm hug in words. It tells someone that their bad luck is almost over. You are promising that the sun will come out again. It is simple but very powerful. It focuses on the future instead of the sad present.
How To Use It
Use it when a friend is having a rough time. You can say it just by itself. You can also add don't worry at the start. It works well when someone is crying or venting. Just listen first, then offer these words. It shows you care about their feelings.
When To Use It
Use it after a breakup or a bad day. It is perfect when a friend loses their job. Use it when someone fails a big test. It is great for texting a sad heart emoji. Use it at a coffee shop while listening to a friend. It works in most everyday life struggles.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for very small problems. If someone drops a pen, it sounds too dramatic. Avoid it in a formal business contract. Do not use it if someone is angry at you. They might think you are ignoring the problem. It is for comfort, not for winning an argument.
Cultural Background
English speakers value optimism and 'looking on the bright side.' This phrase is a classic 'American Dream' sentiment. It suggests that hard work or time fixes everything. It is a very common theme in pop songs. You will hear it in movies during the sad middle part. It is the ultimate 'keep calm and carry on' phrase.
Common Variations
It gets better(very popular for youth support)Things will look up(more casual and visual)Tomorrow is a new day(focuses on the clock)The best is yet to come(very positive and upbeat)Hang in there(focuses on staying strong)
Usage Notes
The phrase is very safe to use in almost any social situation. Just ensure you are using it to offer comfort rather than to dismiss someone's valid complaints.
Add 'I promise'
To make the phrase sound more sincere and comforting, add 'I promise' or 'I'm sure' at the end.
Don't over-use it
If you say it too many times to the same person, it might start to sound like you aren't listening to their problems.
The 'Get' vs 'Be' distinction
Use 'get better' for a process of change, and 'be better' for a final state of being.
Examples
6I know it hurts now, but things will get better.
I know it hurts now, but things will get better.
Provides emotional support during a personal crisis.
Don't be too hard on yourself; things will get better next quarter.
Don't be too hard on yourself; things will get better next quarter.
Professional yet empathetic encouragement.
Rest up! Things will get better once you get some sleep.
Rest up! Things will get better once you get some sleep.
Short and sweet for a digital message.
Well, I spilled my coffee and lost my keys. Things will get better, right?
Well, I spilled my coffee and lost my keys. Things will get better, right?
Using the phrase as a question to find humor in bad luck.
Keep saving your money, things will get better soon.
Keep saving your money, things will get better soon.
Casual advice between family members.
Keep practicing your English; things will get better with time.
Keep practicing your English; things will get better with time.
Encouraging progress in a learning environment.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to comfort your friend.
I know you're sad now, but _______ will get better.
In this idiom, we use the plural 'things' without an article.
Which sentence is the most natural way to offer hope?
Your friend failed a driving test. What do you say?
'Things will get better' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Someone is crying because they lost their wallet.
We use the future 'will get' to offer hope for a situation that is currently bad.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: I'm so stressed about this move. B: Don't worry, once you unpack, ________.
The future tense 'will get' is used to predict improvement after a specific event (unpacking).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Things will get better'
Life Changes
- • Moving house
- • New job
- • Starting school
Emotional Support
- • Breakups
- • Bad days
- • Feeling lonely
Challenges
- • Work stress
- • Exam season
- • Money worries
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI know you're sad now, but _______ will get better.
In this idiom, we use the plural 'things' without an article.
Your friend failed a driving test. What do you say?
'Things will get better' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Situation: Someone is crying because they lost their wallet.
We use the future 'will get' to offer hope for a situation that is currently bad.
A: I'm so stressed about this move. B: Don't worry, once you unpack, ________.
The future tense 'will get' is used to predict improvement after a specific event (unpacking).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, 'Everything will get better' is also very common and means the same thing. 'Everything' is slightly more emphatic.
It is neutral. You can use it with a boss you have a good relationship with, but in a formal legal document, you would use 'The situation will improve.'
'Get' is much more common in spoken English than 'become.' 'Become' sounds a bit more formal or poetic.
Usually no. For a car, you would say 'It will work better after it's fixed.' 'Things will get better' is almost always about life situations.
There isn't one single idiom, but people might say 'Things are going downhill' or 'Things are getting worse.'
Related Phrases
It gets better
similarA more personal version of the phrase.
Things are looking up
similarThe situation is starting to improve now.
Every cloud has a silver lining
similarEvery bad situation has something good in it.
Light at the end of the tunnel
similarA sign that a difficult period is ending.
