Better off
This is a good one. This is a really good one for today: the expression is “better off.” When you’re “better off,” you are in a better situation—a more improved situation—than the alternative. This is usually, but not always, related to financial considerations. Do you remember how you first heard it?
I said that we are much better off today, as a society, than we were fifty years ago. Our situation today is better financially and materially than it was fifty years ago. We’re better off today than we were, collectively, half a century ago. Better off materially and financially, but not necessarily happier, as you’ll recall.
If I got that promotion, I’d be a lot better off. I’d be in an improved financial situation. My friend is a lot better off now that he’s moved into a smaller house. Wait, how can that be? A smaller house and he’s better off? Well, his situation might be better because maybe that’s better for his budget. He might be better off paying less in rent, so he can save money for something else.
That new job sounds like a lot of stress. You’re probably better off not taking it. It might mean more money, but the commute is too long and you’d miss time with your family. You’re better off looking for a job closer to home.
If you’re not feeling well, you’re better off staying home from work, if that’s an option. If you go, you might get everyone else sick, and wind up feeling worse the next day anyway. You might be better off staying in bed. It might be better for you to stay in bed than to go to work.
Quote of the week
Time for our quote of the week: this will be quick. It’s from the author J.R.R. Tolkien, the fantasy writer who wrote “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings.” Here’s the quote: “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” Indeed it would be. “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world,” says the author J.R.R. Tolkien.
That’s all for today—remember, if you like the topics and want to read more about them, you’ll want to be on our email list at PlainEnglish.com/mail . JR and I will be back with another exciting episode of Plain English on Thursday. See you then!
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