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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I would be better

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I would be better" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a hypothetical situation where you believe your condition or situation would improve. Example: "If I had more time to study, I would be better prepared for the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So as long at the new tax is below α - α i individuals within these groups i would be better off.

I would be better off if he returned my deposit.

News & Media

The New York Times

"I wonder if I took it, whether I would be better at being affectionate," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

"If I could have sacrificed a little bit, I would be better off," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

I would be better off health-care-wise, and I don't believe in privatizing Social Security.

News & Media

The New York Times

He said I would be better off with my brothers, so that's what happened.

I would be better off planning engaging lessons for my somewhat neglected non-exam classes.

News & Media

The Guardian

I have often felt that I would be better suited to a team sport.

News & Media

The Guardian

He said "Sometimes I think I would be better off dead.

News & Media

The Guardian

I knew that outside the women's movement, I would be better liked if I chose Obama.

News & Media

The Guardian

I would be better off if he had been truthful and honest with us from the beginning.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I would be better" when expressing a hypothetical situation where a change in circumstances leads to personal improvement or a more favorable outcome. For instance, "If I practiced more, I would be better at playing the piano."

Common error

Avoid using "I would be better" when "I could be better" is more appropriate. "Would" implies a hypothetical condition, while "could" suggests a potential ability. For example, say "I could be better if I tried harder" instead of "I would be better if I tried harder" to express the possibility of improvement through effort.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I would be better" functions primarily as a conditional statement, expressing a hypothetical scenario where the speaker believes they would experience improvement. This is evident in Ludwig's examples where the phrase is often accompanied by conditions or reasons for the potential betterment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I would be better" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a hypothetical state of improvement contingent upon certain conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s commonly used across varied contexts from News & Media to scientific publications, demonstrating its versatility. When writing, remember to use "I could be better" if you need to express an intention or ability and avoid using "I would be better" if you're expressing factual statement. To convey similar meanings, alternatives such as "I'd be better off" or "I would improve" can also be used.

FAQs

How can I use "I would be better" in a sentence?

Use "I would be better" to express a hypothetical improvement in a situation. For example, "If I had more sleep, "I would be better" at my job."

What's a simpler way to say "I would be better"?

You can use phrases like "I would improve" or "I'd be better off" depending on the context.

Is it always correct to use "I would be better"?

While grammatically correct, consider if a different verb tense might be more accurate. For instance, "I will be better" suggests a future certainty, while "I could be better" indicates potential.

What is the difference between "I would be better" and "I will be better"?

"I would be better" describes a hypothetical or conditional scenario, whereas "I will be better" indicates a firm intention or prediction of improvement in the future.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: