at better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at better" is not correct in standard written English.
It is likely intended to convey a comparison or improvement, but it lacks clarity and proper structure. Example: "We need to find a way to perform at better levels than before."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But you may tend to swing at better pitches.

The New York Times - Sports

They sometimes have products Amazon doesn't have, at better prices.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His average fastball hums at better than 95 miles per hour now, about 3 m.p.h.

The New York Times - Sports

"Whether people move on is up to the nationalists," adds Mr McDougall at Better Together.

The Economist

Marc Jarsulic, chief economist at Better Markets, is the author of "Anatomy of a Financial Crisis".

The New York Times

Parents often pay bribes to get their children admitted at better public schools.

The New York Times - Magazine

But now he is seeing the ball well and swinging at better pitches.

The New York Times - Sports

Now, hopefully, we'll be able to do this at better going-in values.

The New York Times

SHE says many children expect to live at better socioeconomic levels than their parents did.

The New York Times

Kevin Pietersen bludgeoned 102 runs at better than a run a ball.

The New York Times

He said that "more competitors means more supply, means more choice at better prices".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and grammatical accuracy, replace "at better" with phrases like "at a higher level" or "in a more effective manner" to ensure your writing is precise and professional.

Common error

Avoid using "at better" when comparing performance or quality. Instead, use grammatically correct alternatives such as "performing at a higher level" or "achieving better results" to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at better" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, though it's grammatically incorrect. It's often intended to describe the manner or degree to which an action is performed or a state is achieved. As Ludwig AI points out, it lacks clarity and proper structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "at better" appears frequently in various sources, Ludwig AI correctly identifies it as grammatically incorrect in standard written English. To maintain clarity and credibility, it's recommended to replace "at better" with grammatically sound alternatives such as "at a higher level" or "in a more effective manner". Despite its common usage, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts, opting for more precise and grammatically correct phrases will enhance your writing. This approach ensures your message is not only understood but also conveys professionalism and attention to detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a superior level

Replaces 'better' with 'superior level', emphasizing the higher quality or degree.

at a higher standard

Stresses the elevation of quality or expectation.

in a more effective manner

Focuses on the efficiency and method of improvement rather than just the state.

on a more advanced scale

Implies progress to a more sophisticated or developed level.

at an improved rate

Highlights the enhanced speed or progress of something.

at a refined degree

Emphasizes the enhanced precision or sophistication.

in a preferable way

Indicates a more desired or advantageous method.

in an enhanced state

Highlights the improved condition or form.

at a more competitive edge

Focuses on gaining an advantage through improvement.

in a prime condition

Indicates an optimal or superior state of readiness or performance.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the idea of "at better" in a sentence?

While "at better" is grammatically incorrect, you can rephrase it to "at a better level" or "performing in a better way" depending on the intended meaning. For instance, instead of saying "They are aiming at better results", try "They are aiming "at a better level"" or "They are performing "in a better way"".

What are some alternatives to "at better" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "at a higher standard", "in a more effective manner", or "at an improved rate". These options provide grammatical correctness while maintaining the comparative sense.

Is it ever correct to use the phrase "at better" in formal writing?

No, the phrase "at better" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It's advisable to use alternatives such as "at a superior level" or "in a preferable way" to ensure clarity and correctness.

What's the difference between saying "at better" and "at a better level"?

The phrase "at better" is grammatically incomplete and doesn't clearly convey a comparison. "At a better level", on the other hand, is grammatically sound and indicates performing or existing at an improved or more desirable degree.