could have been

The phrase "could have been" carries with it a tinge of regret when used in "it could have been better". It is the lamentation of the lost chances and opportunities or the wrong decisions we have made that turned out for the worse. A person saying it is someone who cannot help but thinking whether life had an "undo" button. Perhaps it would be better if the person looks back into the past not in regret, but to learn from the mistakes, and move on forward.

The phrase "could have been" carries with it a tinge of thankfulness when used in "it could have been worse". It is the contentment with the good things and the blessings, and an appreciation for the fulfillment of needs and wants. A person saying it is grateful and awaits each new day to experience the good things in store. Living in the present, looking towards the future, filled with hope and awaiting the promise of what lies ahead.