Meaning trap
look up
improve
To get better or become more successful, especially after a difficult time.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To get better or become more successful, especially after a difficult time.
Another meaning of 'look up' is 'search for information'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
After a few tough months, things are finally looking up for her.
Although the economy was struggling last year, experts say things are starting to look up.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: My situation is looking up better.
Say: My situation is looking up.
'Look up' already means 'improving' — don't add 'better'. Usually intransitive: 'things are looking up'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Looking up' is the natural, hopeful way to say things are improving; 'showing signs of amelioration' is jargon.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
things look up
- things are looking up
- business is looking up
- finally
- at last
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- look up (search for information) — Another meaning of 'look up' is 'search for information'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.