Better make

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Better make" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a suggestion or advice to encourage someone to take action or make a decision promptly. Example: "You better make a reservation soon, as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly on weekends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Better make that clear".

The Guardian - Books

Better make that "twice".

The New York Times - Style

Better make it a long one.

The Guardian - Travel

Better make that two moments actually.

The Guardian - Sport

(Better, make your own blueberry/strawberry/raspberry sauce).

The New York Times - Food

Better make that anyone, period.

Forbes

Better make it two, actually.

TechCrunch

Better make sure it's the pizza guy, though.

TechCrunch

Better make some tea beforehand: it's a long one.

TechCrunch

"Better make some calls and find out," he hisses back.

Vice

Better make friends fast if you don't want to drink.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Better make", consider the context and your audience. It can come across as assertive, so ensure it aligns with your relationship with the person and the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "Better make" in highly formal writing or when addressing superiors. Opt for more polite alternatives like "It is advisable to make" or "You should consider making" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Better make" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to take a specific action. It's a directive phrase that strongly suggests a course of action, often implying that there will be negative consequences if the action isn't taken. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show the phrase used in contexts where timely action is important.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Better make" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to offer advice or a strong suggestion. As Ludwig highlights, it appears most frequently in news and media sources, with a generally informal to neutral register. While "Better make" is considered correct and usable in written English, it is important to consider the context and audience, as it can come across as assertive. For more formal situations, alternatives like "you should probably make" or "it would be wise to make" are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Should definitely make

Emphasizes the advisability of the action more strongly.

It would be wise to make

Adds a tone of prudence and careful consideration.

You'd be better off making

Highlights the comparative benefit of the suggested action.

It's advisable to make

Presents the action as a recommended course.

Consider making

Suggests a more thoughtful approach to the action.

Ensure you make

Stresses the importance of completing the action.

It's important to make

Highlights the necessity of the action.

Be sure to make

Offers a gentle reminder to perform the action.

You ought to make

Uses a more formal tone to suggest the action.

It's a good idea to make

Presents the action as a beneficial option.

FAQs

How can I use "Better make" in a sentence?

"Better make" is typically used to offer advice or a strong suggestion. For example: "You "better make" a reservation if you want to eat there tonight."

What's a less assertive way to say "Better make"?

If you want to be less direct, you could say "It would be wise to make" or "You should probably make".

Is "Better make" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "Better make" is generally too informal for professional or academic writing. Use more formal alternatives in those contexts.

What's the difference between "Better make" and "Had better make"?

"Had better make" implies a potential negative consequence if the action isn't taken, whereas "Better make" is a more general suggestion.