beats the alternative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beats the alternative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two options, indicating that one option is preferable to another. Example: "While the weather isn't perfect, staying indoors beats the alternative of getting caught in the storm outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

It beats the alternative.

The New York Times

But obscurity beats the alternative.

The New York Times

"Beats the alternative," he joked.

The New York Times

Still, it beats the alternative.

The New York Times

Perhaps, but it beats the alternative.

The New York Times - Sports

And it certainly beats the alternative.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

It beats the alternatives.

The Guardian

That beats the alternatives you have suggested.

The New York Times - Magazine

If they do not insist on the highest standards of integrity in the running of their companies, no one else will.Capitalism, like democracy, may not be perfect, but it beats the alternatives.

The Economist

Or at least he is betting that by November they will decide that, whatever they may feel about the way he has treated the democratic process, he is kind of like old age: Maybe it's not something to look forward to, but it beats the alternatives.

The New York Times

That beat the alternative, of course.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beats the alternative" when you want to convey that one option is clearly better or more acceptable than another, often when both options aren't ideal but one is significantly less negative. For example, "Working overtime beats the alternative of getting fired."

Common error

Avoid using "beats the alternative" too frequently in your writing. While it's a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "is preferable to the alternative" or "is better than the alternative" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beats the alternative" functions as a comparative expression. It's used to indicate that one option, though perhaps not ideal, is more acceptable or advantageous than another. As shown in Ludwig's examples, the phrase often appears when discussing difficult or undesirable situations where one choice is less negative.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Sports

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beats the alternative" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that one option is preferable to another, often less desirable, choice. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across varied contexts, with a strong presence in news and media. While it's a versatile phrase, diversifying your vocabulary with synonyms like "is preferable to the alternative" can enhance your writing. When you use this phrase remember that it is a useful way to express preference or acceptance, especially in situations where neither option is ideal but one is markedly better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is better than the alternative

Uses a simpler comparison, directly stating that one option is superior.

is preferable to the alternative

Replaces "beats" with a more formal "is preferable to", emphasizing a deliberate choice.

is a better option than the alternative

Adds the word "option" for clarity, emphasizing that a choice is being made.

is superior to the alternative

Highlights the higher quality or effectiveness of one option over another.

outweighs the alternative

Suggests a weighing of pros and cons, where the benefits of one option are greater.

is a more desirable alternative

Highlights that one alternative is wanted more than the other.

is a more attractive alternative

Focuses on the appeal of one choice compared to a less desirable one.

surpasses the alternative

Implies that one option not only beats but exceeds the level of the other.

trumps the alternative

Uses the verb "trumps" to indicate one choice defeats the other, often in a decisive manner.

eclipses the alternative

Suggests that one option overshadows the other in terms of importance or value.

FAQs

How can I use "beats the alternative" in a sentence?

Use "beats the alternative" to express that one option is more acceptable than another, often when neither choice is ideal. For example, "Although the project is challenging, it beats "the alternative" of being unemployed."

What's a more formal way to say "beats the alternative"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "is preferable to the alternative", "is superior to the alternative", or "outweighs the alternative". These options provide a similar meaning while maintaining a higher level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "beats the alternative"?

It's appropriate when comparing two options and emphasizing that one is significantly less negative or more desirable. It's particularly effective when both options have drawbacks, but one is clearly the better choice.

What are some common synonyms for "beats the alternative"?

Some common synonyms include "is better than the alternative", "is preferable to the alternative", and "is a better option than the alternative". Consider the context and desired tone when selecting the most appropriate synonym.