better able to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better able to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's improved capacity or capability to respond to a question or situation. Example: "After attending the training session, she felt better able to answer the complex questions posed by her clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

We might be better able to answer the question if we could talk the Clarks, David Oltarsh or even a name-proud developer of our own time.

The New York Times

The assignment is my response to the distressing finding that six months after having completed a standard introductory economics course, students are no better able to answer questions about basic economic principles than others who have never even taken economics.

The New York Times

I'm not ignoring them, I'm just worried about Jodi and I know that if I can feel calmer with more info, then I will feel better able to answer the twins' questions.

The New York Times

Once we are schooled in the way we think, we will also be better able to answer questions from patients and their families about how we arrive at our diagnoses.

The New York Times

Students of STeLLA teachers were better able to answer questions involving more scientific reasoning and application of science concepts in new contexts.

International Journal of STEM Education

Cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Scott Weems found that people exposed to comedy are better able to answer semantic associates tasks.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But he had better be able to answer the nagging question of what, if anything, he has learned from his Knicks experience in seven seconds or less.

The New York Times - Sports

And sure, they're a pain in the ass to answer -- it's a lot easier to rebuild the newsroom you worked in for 40 years -- but they're the questions, and they'd better be able to answer every one -- because if they can, they win.

Huffington Post

"It's not so much that they have to trust us with their data — we're basically facilitating the people that they already trust, or supposedly trust, to do a better job, to be able to answer questions they have around their information and be able to do that quickly — and we think that's important".

TechCrunch

It reminds us that the Caterpillar's question "Who are you?" is one that we are unlikely to be able to answer any better than Alice.

The Guardian - Books

The Office of the Registrar would be able to answer your question better than I can.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "better able to answer" when you want to highlight an improvement in someone's ability to respond or address a question or situation, often after training, gaining experience, or acquiring more information.

Common error

Avoid using "better able to answer" interchangeably with phrases that imply willingness rather than capability. For example, "more willing to answer" suggests a change in attitude, while "better able to answer" indicates a change in competence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better able to answer" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied subject, indicating an improved state of capability or competence. Ludwig examples show it used to describe individuals or groups who have gained knowledge or skills, aligning with the general correctness affirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "better able to answer" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe an enhanced capacity or competence to respond to questions or address situations. As supported by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to science and general writing. It is important to use this phrase when you want to convey an improvement in someone's ability, often due to increased knowledge or skills. Remember to avoid redundant phrasing like "more better" and consider whether "willing to answer" might be more appropriate if you're referring to a change in attitude rather than competence. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more capable of answering

Replaces "better" with "more capable", emphasizing the enhanced skill in answering.

more equipped to answer

Focuses on having the necessary resources or preparation to answer.

in a better position to answer

Highlights the advantageous circumstances for answering.

better prepared to answer

Emphasizes the readiness and preparation for answering.

more likely to answer

Indicates an increased probability of answering.

better suited to answer

Suggests that someone or something is more appropriate for answering.

better qualified to answer

Highlights superior qualifications for answering.

more adept at answering

Focuses on skill and proficiency in answering.

better versed to answer

Indicates a deeper knowledge, more versed, to answer.

more knowledgeable to answer

Highlights greater knowledge as enabler to answer.

FAQs

How can I use "better able to answer" in a sentence?

You can use "better able to answer" to describe an improved capacity to respond. For example, "After the training, the employees were better able to answer customer inquiries".

What are some alternatives to "better able to answer"?

Alternatives include "more capable of answering", "more equipped to answer", or "in a better position to answer", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "more better able to answer"?

No, "more better" is redundant. Use either "better able to answer" or "more capable of answering", but not both together.

What's the difference between "better able to answer" and "willing to answer"?

"Better able to answer" implies an increase in competence or capability, while "willing to answer" indicates a readiness or desire to respond. They address different aspects of communication.