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.daily life
- Although the economy was struggling last year, experts say things are starting to look up.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: look up (for [someone/something])
WrongMy situation is looking up better.
RightMy situation is looking up.
'Look up' already means 'improving' — don't add 'better'. Usually intransitive: 'things are looking up'.
Patternlook up (for [someone/something])
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'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 upthings are looking upbusiness is looking upfinallyat last
Don't confuse it
This meaning is different from searching for information; here, it means a situation is getting better.
Related
- look up (search for information) — Another meaning of 'look up' is 'search for information'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.