Is the Phrase 'I Feel Way Better Now Than Yesterday' Common in English?

Yes, the phrase 'I feel way better now than yesterday' is indeed common in English, albeit in informal contexts. In more formal settings, one might opt for the phrase 'I feel much better now than yesterday.' This subtle difference in formality underscores the importance of choosing the correct expression for the intended audience or context.

Placement of 'Now'

There is a subtle difference in how one places 'now' in the sentence. Placing 'now' at the beginning or end of the sentence can affect the natural flow of the statement and the emphasis it places on the speaker's current state.

Now at the Beginning

Using 'now' at the beginning of the sentence, such as 'Now I feel way better than yesterday,' usually follows an explanation of why the speaker feels better. For example:

"I got a good night's rest last night. Now I feel way better than yesterday."

This structure works well when the speaker provides a clear reason for their improved state, making the statement more logical and coherent.

Now at the End

Positioning 'now' at the end of the sentence can make the sentence more self-contained and natural, even without an explanation. For example:

“How are you today, Barbara?” "I feel way better than yesterday now."

Additionally, ending with 'now' can still incorporate an explanation:

"I remembered to take my medication last night. I feel way better than yesterday now."

This structure stands on its own and still conveys a clear message without the need for additional context.

Formality and Idiomatic Usage

The phrase 'I feel way better now than yesterday' is more idiomatic in informal British English, while 'I feel far better now than yesterday' would be considered more formal. Similarly, in American English, 'way better' is more commonly used, with the expression 'I feel much better now than I did yesterday' being a slightly more formal alternative.

Colloquial Expressions

For a more colloquial way of expressing feeling much better, you could say: 'Now I feel way better than yesterday.' Placing 'now' at the beginning helps avoid any confusion about the timeliness of the statement and emphasizes the current state clearly. An even more informal way to convey the same sentiment is: 'I'm now sound and kicking and yesterdays nothing.' This phrasing is quite colloquial and emphasizes the significant improvement in a straightforward manner.

Understanding the nuances of these phrases can help you choose the most appropriate expression for your communication, whether in a formal or informal setting.