better at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare someone's skill or proficiency in a particular area or activity relative to others or to themselves at a different time. Example: "She is better at math than her classmates, which is why she often helps them with their homework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'll get better at that".

The New York Times - Sports

"Now it's better at night.

The New York Times

She was better at soccer.

The New York Times - Sports

I'll get better at it".

The New York Times - Sports

She was better at ropes.

The New Yorker

He's better at it now.

The New York Times - Sports

We'll get better at it".

The New York Times - Sports

We're much better at branding.

The New York Times

They got better at it.

The Guardian

She was better at baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

"I slept better at night.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing skills, clearly specify both the skill and the point of comparison. For example, instead of saying "She is better", say "She is "better at" coding than writing".

Common error

Avoid using "better at" without a specific object of comparison. For example, instead of saying "He's just better", clarify "He's "better at" managing his time."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better at" functions as a comparative adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It indicates a superior level of skill or ability in a specific activity or area, relative to another person or oneself at a different time. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Sports

20%

General

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "better at" is a common and grammatically sound way to express comparative skill or proficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. To ensure clarity, specify both the skill and the object of comparison when using this phrase. While "better at" is widely used, consider alternatives such as "more proficient in" or "excels in" for nuanced expression. Avoiding overgeneralization and clearly defining the area of improvement will enhance your writing. With a neutral register, "better at" is appropriate for various contexts, making it a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more proficient in

Focuses on skill level rather than direct comparison.

more skilled in

Emphasizes the possession of specific skills.

excels in

Highlights outstanding performance.

adept in

Suggests a high level of competence and dexterity.

has a knack for

Implies a natural talent or aptitude.

stronger in

Indicates a relative advantage in a particular area.

more competent in

Highlights the ability to perform effectively.

superior in

Conveys a sense of being above average.

outperforms in

Focuses on achieving better results than others.

more gifted in

Highlights innate talent or exceptional ability.

FAQs

How can I use "better at" in a sentence?

Use "better at" to compare proficiency in a specific activity or skill. For example, "She is "more proficient in" public speaking than I am".

What are some alternatives to "better at"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "excels in", "adept in", or "has a knack for" as alternatives to "better at".

Which is correct, "better at" or "better in"?

"Better at" and "better in" can both be correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Better at" is typically used for activities or skills (e.g., "better at playing the piano"), while "better in" can be used for broader areas (e.g., "better in a crisis").

What's the difference between "better at" and "more skilled in"?

While both phrases indicate proficiency, "better at" implies a direct comparison, whereas "more skilled in" simply indicates a high level of skill. "He is "better at" coding than her" versus "He is "more skilled in" coding".