be better informed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be better informed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to encourage someone to learn more about a particular topic or issue. For example, "It is important to be better informed about global warming so that we can make informed decisions about how to help the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, I could be better informed.

The New York Times

Rufus Norris wants us all to be better "informed".

The Guardian

We'll all be better informed as a result.

The Guardian - Opinion

We will be better informed after the Mohali match.

The Guardian - Sport

If more interview subjects followed his lead, we might all be better informed.

The New York Times - Arts

"The Home Office also needs to be better informed to discharge its responsibilities.

The Guardian

Lansley added: The house will be better informed by virtue of two statements than by one.

The Guardian

Mr. Nagashima said the American demands to be better informed ultimately improved Japan's own response.

The New York Times

It should be "an open conversation," she said, "and parents should be better informed.

The New York Times - Health

I think they're pretty well informed about this, and they will probably be better informed over the next week.

The New York Times

But they have one gripe: Passengers should be better informed.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be better informed" to encourage deeper understanding, rather than simply stating someone is uninformed. For instance, "Readers should "be better informed" about the nuances of the policy" is more constructive than "Readers are uninformed about the policy".

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "better informed" automatically leads to desired behavioral changes or decisions. While knowledge is important, it's often insufficient without addressing other factors like motivation and resources. Do not write: "If the public "is better informed", they will recycle more". Instead, specify: "If the public "is better informed" about the environmental impact of not recycling and provided convenient recycling options, they are more likely to recycle more".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be better informed" primarily functions as part of a passive construction, indicating a state or condition that one should aspire to. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across diverse contexts, reinforcing its grammatical flexibility and widespread applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be better informed" is a versatile and commonly used expression that encourages increased knowledge and understanding. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal communication. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences, and it's often used to advocate for greater awareness and promote informed decision-making. When using this phrase, consider the specific context and tailor your language to encourage deeper understanding rather than simply stating a lack of knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become more knowledgeable

Highlights the process of gaining knowledge, emphasizing the transformation.

broaden one's knowledge

Suggests expanding the scope of one's understanding across different areas.

gain a deeper understanding

Focuses on the depth of knowledge acquired rather than just the state of being informed.

enhance one's awareness

Highlights improving perception and understanding of a particular subject.

acquire more insights

Emphasizes gaining intuitive understanding and perspective.

educate oneself further

Implies a proactive and self-directed approach to learning.

develop a fuller picture

Implies gaining a comprehensive view by gathering more details and perspectives.

get up to speed

Suggests quickly learning essential information, particularly in a fast-changing environment.

become conversant with

Focuses on achieving a level of familiarity and understanding sufficient for discussion.

stay abreast of developments

Focuses on keeping up-to-date with the latest news and changes in a field.

FAQs

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

You can use "be better informed" to express the need for increased knowledge or understanding about a particular topic. For example, "Citizens need to "be better informed" about the proposed legislation to make sound decisions".

What's a more formal way to say "be better informed"?

More formal alternatives include "gain a deeper understanding" or "become more knowledgeable". These options are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Which is correct, "be better informed" or "being better informed"?

"Be better informed" is typically used as an imperative or in conditional statements, while "being better informed" functions as a gerund or part of a continuous verb phrase. For example, ""Be better informed" before making a decision" versus ""Being better informed" helps in making better decisions".

What can I say instead of "be better informed" in a news context?

In a news context, consider alternatives like "stay abreast of developments" or "develop a fuller picture". These phrases convey the idea of keeping up-to-date with current events.