a better tally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a better tally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an improved count or score, often in contexts like statistics, games, or assessments. Example: "After reviewing the data, we found a better tally of the participants in the survey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

At a recent summit, the FBI director, James Comey, called it "unacceptable" that a Guardian US investigative unit had a better tally than his agency's near 35,000 employees.

The Guardian

By nightfall, officials refused to give a number of missing but promised to have a better tally Wednesday morning.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

County remain tenth in the Scottish Premiership, level on points with St Mirren and Motherwell but with a better goals scored tally than the Buddies and and a superior goal difference to Well.

BBC

First, in 2000-01, "Plymouth won 13 out of 23 at home (a better-than-average tally) but only two away (much worse).

The Guardian - Sport

The two-month average of 157,000 is probably a better picture of reality than either month's tally.

The Economist

The native Swede had hoped to match or better the tally of nine from Paris two years ago but nonetheless got off to a better start than his predecessor as head coach, Charles van Commenee having guided his first GB team to four medals at the 2009 championships in Turin.

Independent

Tracking how much energy infrastructure we've already built and tallying the emissions it is likely to produce so-called committed emissions—is a better way to illuminate the global climate challenge, a research team writes today in Environmental Research Letters.

Science Magazine

Hull could have added to their tally in stoppage time when substitute Abel Hernandez chose to shoot from 20 yards when passing to a team-mate looked a better option.

BBC

After initially posting a $517m total, $7.9m short of the dinosaur disaster epic's $524.9m record from June, experts have upgraded Disney's debut visit to a galaxy far, far away's final tally based on a better-than-expected Sunday at the North American box office.

The Guardian - Film

He took 708 wickets in 145 Tests during a 15-year career for Australia, a tally bettered only by Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan.

BBC

Bielsa's side, with an average age of less than 24, have not been afraid to show their youthful exuberance in La Liga this season, playing with an attacking intent that has yielded a goals tally bettered only by Barcelona and Real Madrid.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a better tally", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured and why the new tally is considered superior (e.g., due to improved methodology, more comprehensive data, etc.).

Common error

Avoid using "a better tally" when simply referring to any count. Ensure that the situation involves a previous count that was inadequate or inaccurate, and the new tally represents an improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a better tally" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective ("better"). It typically serves to describe an improved or more accurate count compared to a previous one. As Ludwig AI explains, it's usable in written English when referring to an improved count or score.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a better tally" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate an improved count or calculation. While Ludwig AI notes its correctness, its frequency is relatively rare, appearing mainly in news and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context justifies the claim of improvement or increased accuracy. Alternatives like "an improved count" or "a more accurate figure" may offer more precise connotations depending on the specific situation. Understanding its proper usage ensures clear and effective communication, particularly in professional settings where accuracy is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an improved count

Focuses on the act of improving the count itself.

a more accurate figure

Emphasizes the accuracy of the numerical representation.

a more precise calculation

Highlights the precision of the calculation method.

a refined total

Suggests a total that has been carefully adjusted or corrected.

an enhanced score

Specifically refers to an improved score, often in competitive settings.

a corrected sum

Implies that a previous sum contained errors that have now been fixed.

a revised estimate

Suggests that an earlier estimate has been updated based on new information.

a more exact reckoning

Highlights the exactness and thoroughness of the counting process.

an updated aggregate

Implies that an aggregate number has been brought up to date.

a superior enumeration

Emphasizes the superiority of the counting method or the resulting count.

FAQs

How can I use "a better tally" in a sentence?

Use "a better tally" when you want to indicate that a new count or calculation is more accurate or comprehensive than a previous one. For example: "After reviewing the data, we achieved "a better tally" of the survey participants".

What are some alternatives to "a better tally"?

You can use phrases like "an improved count", "a more accurate figure", or "a more precise calculation" depending on the context.

Is "a better tally" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "a better tally" can be used in formal writing, especially when discussing statistics, research, or assessments where accurate counts are important. However, consider alternatives like "a refined total" or "a revised estimate" for increased formality.

What's the difference between "a tally" and "a better tally"?

"A tally" refers to any count or calculation. "A better tally" specifically indicates an improved or more accurate count compared to a previous one. The latter implies that some improvement or correction has taken place.