almost better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost better" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is nearly superior to another thing, often in a comparative context. Example: "The sequel was almost better than the original film, capturing the essence of the story while adding new elements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's almost better".

The New Yorker

Which is almost better than agreeing.

The Guardian - Opinion

He loved a foe almost better than a friend.

The New York Times

Almost better than a touchdown at a 49ers game.

The Guardian

Mr. Barnett doesn't achieve transcendence in "Super Natural," but he does something almost better.

The New York Times - Arts

This is one of those critical essays that are almost better than the thing they're about.

The New Yorker

"I love any other piece of nature, almost, better," he confided to his journal.

The New Yorker

It's almost better if you don't get me exactly, but try"." You couldn't make it up.

Independent

It was almost better if it was completely clear or completely overcast.

The New York Times

"They're hitting the ground running almost better than the specialty apparel retailers and the discounters".

The New York Times

The phrase is almost better as a description of her own criticism.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost better" when you want to express that something is nearly superior to something else, but not quite. Ensure the context clearly establishes the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "almost better" when you actually mean 'significantly better'. The phrase implies a small margin of improvement, not a substantial one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost better" functions as a modifier, specifically an adverb-adjective combination. It qualifies a noun or action by indicating a state of near-superiority or preference. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in comparative contexts, where it suggests a slight advantage or improvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "almost better" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates near-superiority. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its prevalence in news and media, science, and business contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to understand its subtle meaning to avoid overstating the degree of comparison. For alternative expressions, consider "nearly superior" or "practically better", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Understanding the register and context ensures accurate and effective communication. Ludwig's analysis reveals its wide usage and provides the necessary insights for confident and precise application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost preferable

Focuses on the aspect of preference, indicating a near-preferred choice.

nearly superior

Emphasizes the closeness to being superior, focusing on the comparative aspect.

approaching better

Suggests a gradual improvement towards being better, emphasizing the process.

practically better

Highlights the practical advantages of something being "better".

not far from being better

Emphasizes the proximity to a superior state or quality.

virtually better

Suggests that something is better in effect, if not in reality.

on par with better

Suggests that something is nearly equal to something that is considered better.

just as good

Indicates equivalence rather than superiority, implying that something is equally satisfactory.

tantamount to being better

Implies equivalence in effect or outcome, rather than direct superiority.

scarcely worse

Focuses on the lack of significant difference in a negative way, almost equivalent to being better.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost better" to indicate that something is close to being superior. For example, "The sequel was "almost better" than the original, capturing the essence of the story while adding new elements".

What phrases are similar to "almost better"?

Alternatives include "nearly superior", "practically better", or "virtually better", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "almost best" instead of "almost better"?

While "almost best" is grammatically correct, it implies nearing the absolute best, while "almost better" suggests nearing a state of comparative superiority. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "almost better" and "slightly better"?

"Almost better" implies a closer degree of comparison than "slightly better". The former suggests a near-equal level, while the latter indicates a more discernible difference.