I bested him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I bested him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you have defeated or outperformed someone in a competition or challenge. Example: "In the final round of the chess tournament, I bested him with a clever strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I bested him, or he lost to me, however you want to put it.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Maybe my father thought I was "besting" him, not loving him, when I got on that subway.

The New Yorker

I ran into the bathroom and asked him to give me instructions on how I could best lift him up.

Los Angeles Times

That's one of the things I liked best about him.

The New Yorker

That's what I like best about him".

Los Angeles Times

As I've indicated, I like him best when he is effectively no one, just an attentive eye.

The New Yorker

All the same, I think I love him best as hair-trigger Curtis in Jeff Nichols Take Shelterr.

The Guardian - Film

"I like him best when he's inappropriate with his appropriateness.

The New York Times - Arts

"I remember him best when he was manager of Falkirk and he had them playing a fantastic brand of football.

BBC

"I dealt with this the way I felt was best for him and the ballclub," Roberts said.

Los Angeles Times

"But I wish him the best and I think it was best for him to move as he had made up his mind.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I bested him" to succinctly convey that you achieved victory over someone, especially in contexts where a direct, slightly assertive tone is appropriate. The phrase is particularly effective when recounting personal achievements or competitive outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "I bested him" in extremely formal or academic writing; opt for more neutral alternatives like "I defeated him" or "I outperformed him" to maintain a professional tone. It may sound too boastful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I bested him" functions as a declaration of victory or superiority. As supported by Ludwig, this usage typically appears in narrative contexts, recounting personal experiences or achievements. It actively asserts the speaker's triumph over another individual.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I bested him" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to indicate that you have defeated or outperformed someone. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and suitability, primarily within News & Media contexts. While its frequency is relatively rare, it effectively conveys a sense of accomplishment. When writing, be mindful of the context; in formal settings, consider alternatives like "I defeated him" to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I defeated him

A straightforward synonym, indicating a clear win or triumph.

I triumphed over him

Emphasizes a significant victory, often after a struggle.

I was victorious over him

A more formal way of stating that you won.

I won against him

A simple and direct alternative, emphasizing the win.

I overcame him

Highlights the act of surpassing an opponent or challenge.

I prevailed against him

Suggests success in spite of difficulty or opposition.

I conquered him

Implies a decisive victory, often with a sense of dominance.

I got the better of him

An idiomatic expression indicating superiority or advantage.

I outdid him

Focuses on exceeding or surpassing someone's performance.

I surpassed him

Emphasizes exceeding a certain level or expectation.

FAQs

What does "I bested him" mean?

The phrase "I bested him" means that you defeated or outperformed someone in a competition, game, or other form of contest.

What can I say instead of "I bested him"?

You can use alternatives like "I defeated him", "I triumphed over him", or "I prevailed against him depending on the context.

Is "I bested him" formal or informal?

The phrase "I bested him" sits in a somewhat neutral register. While not overly formal, it's suitable for news reporting and casual recounts of events. More formal alternatives, like "I defeated him", may be preferred in academic or business contexts.

How can I use "I bested him" in a sentence?

You can use "I bested him" when describing a situation where you have clearly won against an opponent or overcome a challenge, for example, "In the final round, I carefully strategized, and "I bested him" with a surprising checkmate."