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it could have been better vs it could be better

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'It could have been better' is used to express regret about a past situation that could have been improved. 'It could be better' is used to suggest that something that could be improved currently.
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Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 09, 2024 • 20334 views

it could have been better

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express regret about a past situation that could have been improved.

This phrase is used to talk about something that happened in the past and express the idea that it was not as good as it could have been.

Examples:

  • The presentation could have been better if we had more time to prepare.
  • The movie could have been better with a different ending.
  • Aug 31, 2010 ... Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance to "It could have been better" by Joan Armatrading.
  • May 29, 2023 ... WD Legion, how it could have been better. WD3. Things that should have been added. Here are some things i think should have been added before ...
  • Mar 29, 2023 ... Provided to YouTube by Fly Records It Could Have Been Better (2015 Remastered Version) · Joan Armatrading Whatever's For Us ℗ 1972 Onward ...
  • Nov 6, 2023 ... 3's ending was great, but it could have been better with this one trick! Xenoblade 3 SPOILERS. I know The Picture™ is a dead horse on this ...
  • Aug 13, 2021 ... It could have been better if Ginger fell, or Fred tripped or lost a step, and the false wall of perfection fell too.
  • Sep 16, 2012 ... "It could have been better" would be said because the video was made in the past, but the time context would definitely influence the choice of phrase in your ...
  • Apr 17, 2020 ... “My morning was okay but it could have been better.” Why would an acquaintance say this? Does it imply that they are always negative? All ...
  • Jan 17, 2021 ... Plot-wise, it could have been better. As stated, the plot is centred around the wish-granting ancient artifact and the chaos that ensues ...
  • Raanan Hershberg: It Could Have Been Better. Raanan turns self deprecating humor into a tornado of funny. Comedy is hard nowadays, and Raanan has no problem ...
  • Jun 25, 2024 ... 683 likes, 29 comments - raanancomedy on June 25, 2024: "Exciting news! Another special 'It Could Have Been Better'- full of my best jokes ...

Alternatives:

  • It should have been better
  • It might have been better

it could be better

This phrase is correct and commonly used to suggest that something currently could be improved.

This phrase is used to indicate that something is not as good as it could be at the present moment and could use some improvement.

Examples:

  • The design of the website could be better with more user-friendly features.
  • Your performance could be better if you practiced more.
  • Feb 12, 2021 ... The meaning of,”it could be better”, is that there's more time and effort needed to make improvements on something that you or anyone else ...
  • 13 hours ago ... Just thought it could be better because I was worried about the parts of the seasoning that look like it's flaked off. I don't even know if ...
  • Mar 22, 2017 ... Github search sucks (and how it could be better) #908. Open. RenaudWasTaken opened this issue on Mar 22, 2017 · 53 comments. Open. Github search ...
  • Sep 11, 2024 ... I love Survival Mode, but it could be better. Discussion. I think it is a challenging mode and has made me think more than other game modes ...
  • Jun 23, 2022 ...It Could Be Better” Can Make It Worse: When and Why People Mistakenly Communicate Upward Counterfactual Information. Xilin Li xilinli@ceibs ...
  • 21 hours ago ... it could be better · noMoving30turnsChallenge · Comments Section · Community Info Section · More posts you may like.
  • Oct 4, 2014 ... Make time and go, it could be better than you think. Report this article; Close menu. Nishat Ruiter. Nishat Ruiter. General Counsel ...
  • Feb 20, 2019 ... Cellar Door Provisions Is the Perfect Restaurant That Is Positive It Could Be Better. This hyper-seasonal Chicago cafe has been quietly ...
  • May 3, 2007 ... Hello, If someone is asking you how you are or how it's going and you want to respond by saying "it could be better" or "things could be ...
  • Oct 27, 2021 ... Dash the Defender: It could be better. Posted by The Diamond Editor. Zac VanderLey—Staff Writer. This past weekend at Late Night with the ...

Alternatives:

  • It can be improved
  • It has room for improvement

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