are better than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are better than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two or more things, indicating that one is superior to the other in some way. Example: "In my opinion, apples are better than oranges when it comes to taste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Americans are better than that.

The New York Times

"Some are better than others.

The New York Times

You are better than this".

The New York Times

We are better than that.

The New York Times - Books

They are better than candy.

The New York Times

"We are better than this.

The New York Times - Sports

We believe we are better than this.

The New York Times

"These guys are better than this.

The New Yorker

"Two heads are better than one".

The New Yorker

The Olympic Games are better than this.

The New York Times

Belvedere buildings are better than that".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing, clearly specify the criteria on which something is “better”. For example, "This solution is "are better than" the previous one in terms of cost-effectiveness."

Common error

Avoid using "are better than" without specifying the context or criteria. Saying "This is better" lacks clarity. Instead, provide specific details like "This model is "are better than" the last one because it's more energy-efficient and has a longer lifespan."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are better than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to express that one thing has a higher quality or is more desirable compared to another. Ludwig examples show it in various contexts, highlighting superiority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are better than" is a frequently used and grammatically sound comparative phrase that expresses superiority or preference. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it appears most commonly in news and media, but also sees use across wiki and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, be sure to define the criteria for comparison to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "are superior to" or "are preferable to" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are superior to

Emphasizes a higher degree of excellence or advantage.

are preferable to

Highlights the desirability of one option over another.

are more advantageous than

Focuses on the benefits and favorable outcomes.

are a cut above

Suggests a noticeable difference in quality or status.

are a step up from

Indicates advancement or improvement over something.

are held in higher regard than

Focuses on the comparative esteem or respect.

outshine

Implies a brighter or more impressive quality.

are of greater value than

Emphasizes the higher worth or importance.

are more effective than

Focuses on how well something achieves a desired result.

are more skillful than

Emphasizes the ability or expertise in comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "are better than" in a sentence?

Use "are better than" to compare two or more things, indicating one is superior in a specific way. For example, "Apples "are better than" oranges in fiber content."

What are some alternatives to using "are better than"?

Alternatives include "are superior to", "are preferable to", or "outperform", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "are better than"?

Yes, "are better than" is grammatically correct when used to compare two or more items, showing a preference or superiority. It follows standard comparative grammar rules.

What's the difference between "are better than" and "are good than"?

"Are better than" is the correct comparative form. "Are good than" is grammatically incorrect; the proper form uses the comparative adjective "better".