better both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better both" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to suggest that two options are equally preferable or beneficial, but it lacks clarity. Example: "If you want to improve your skills, it's better both to practice regularly and to seek feedback."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Even better, both were finally available.

The New York Times

His second is better; both go for singles.

The Guardian - Sport

Not that one works better; both men look good.

The New York Times

They exist in a complex landscape that we need to understand better, both theoretically and empirically.

University of California, Berkeley

People's lives are getting better, both in economical terms, and in many instances, personal freedom.

The Guardian - Opinion

The penalty-killing units did not fare much better; both Bruins goals came on power plays.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Added in with November's numbers, Obama has bettered both numbers by 1.7percentt in the past two months.

Huffington Post

Better for both of them, they both think.

The Guardian - Opinion

"When we play in that fashion, everything is better - both on and off the field.

Independent

Beleaguered citizens deserve better from both sides.

The New York Times

Bangladeshi workers deserve better on both counts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "better both", ensure the context clearly indicates that two distinct entities or aspects are benefiting or improving. Consider alternatives like "preferable for both" if clarity is a concern.

Common error

Avoid using "better both" when only one entity is experiencing improvement with two different sides or characteristics, or when the sentence structure makes it hard to identify two distinct entities improving. Instead, clarify what is benefiting with separate improvements, or rephrase with words like "in all respects" or "overall."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better both" functions as an adverbial modifier and conjunctive phrase. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating an improvement that affects two entities or aspects. Although Ludwig AI points out that the phrase is non-standard, the examples show it's used to express mutual benefit.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

26%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "better both" serves to indicate an improvement or benefit accruing to two distinct entities or aspects. While understandable, Ludwig AI classifies it as not strictly grammatically correct and suggests alternative phrasing, such as "better for both", to enhance clarity and formality. The phrase sees usage across various contexts, notably in News & Media, Science, and Academia, suggesting a degree of versatility despite its somewhat unconventional structure. The provided examples demonstrate the expression's ability to effectively convey mutual improvement, although careful consideration of context and audience is advised to ensure optimal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Preferable for both

Replaces "better" with a more formal synonym, focusing on preference.

Advantageous for both

Emphasizes the benefits received by each party involved.

Beneficial to both

Highlights the positive impact on each side.

Improved for both

Focuses on the enhanced state resulting for each party.

Favorable for both

Suggests a positive or helpful outcome for each.

Positive for both

Highlights the positive effect on each party.

Helpful for both

Emphasizes the assistance or aid provided to each.

Good for both

Offers a simpler, more general expression of benefit.

Optimal for both

Focuses on achieving the best possible outcome for both.

Enhanced for both

Highlights the improvement or augmentation experienced by both.

FAQs

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

Use "better both" to describe a situation that improves or benefits two distinct parties or aspects equally. For example: "The new policy is "preferable for both" employees and employers."

What phrases can replace "better both"?

Alternatives to "better both" include "advantageous for both", "beneficial to both", or "positive for both depending on the specific context".

Is it grammatically correct to use "better both"?

While not strictly incorrect, "better both" is less conventional than alternatives like "better for both" or "improved for both". Ludwig AI notes its relative informality.

How does "better both" differ from "better for both"?

"Better for both" is a more common and clearer way to express that something benefits two parties. "Better both", although understandable, may sound slightly awkward or less polished. Consider "favorable for both" if you want to add more clarity.