better interests

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better interests" is not standard in written English and may be confusing.
It could be used in contexts discussing the improvement of someone's interests or priorities, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "We must always act in the better interests of our community to ensure its growth and well-being."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Within the leadership there are more open-minded folk who recognise that the narrow role China has chosen to play often works against its better interests.

The Economist

There is not only no Indigenous recognition in the constitution, but clauses that have been used to work against the better interests of Indigenous people".

The Guardian

He says: "I believed from a very young age that all race warfare is essentially class warfare, and that it's in the better interests of the haves to have the have-nots fighting among themselves.

The Guardian

In espionage, there's been a history in international affairs of homosexuals being compromised and used against their better interests, so that would naturally be a matter of concern to us".

The Guardian - Sport

Serwotka brazenly misinformed us in the pamphlets accompanying the ballots that "it is the low-paid majority who will be affected" by "drastic cuts [to] compensation payments", a recurring, and wholly untrue, theme throughout his campaign, and a sentiment that has scared these vulnerable members into striking against their better interests.

The Guardian - Opinion

Calling for a reversal of widespread unhealthy habits, it adds: "Just as the challenges of persuading society that the deeply embedded habit of smoking was against its better interests, changing how we eat and exercise is now a matter of necessity".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"You couldn't find better interest rates".

The New York Times

So New Jersey's residents enjoy better interest rates.

The New York Times

"If they can get a better interest rate it will make their path so much easier".

The New York Times

Investors in search of better interest rates rush to risky, high-yield bonds, raising worries that the market is overheated.

The New York Times

Instead, they can pass a chunk of their earnings on to their members by offering better interest rates.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger alternatives like "best interests" or "greater good" for more formal or impactful writing.

Common error

Avoid using "better interests" without clearly defining whose interests are being referred to. Unclear references can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better interests" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a preposition or verb. It typically refers to the improved state of someone's goals or objectives. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's usage could be improved using alternative phrases.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "better interests" is used to describe actions or decisions that aim to improve someone's objectives or priorities. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that while grammatically acceptable, it may benefit from the use of stronger, more common alternatives like "best interests" or "greater good", especially in formal writing. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When using "better interests", ensure clarity by specifying whose interests are being referred to. Ludwig also highlights the importance of considering the specific context to ensure the most appropriate and impactful phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

best interests

Focuses on the absolute most favorable outcome, suggesting a higher degree of benefit than simply "better".

greater good

Refers to the overall benefit of a larger group, shifting the focus from individual to collective welfare.

improved objectives

Emphasizes the enhancement of goals and aims, rather than the interests themselves.

more favorable aims

Highlights the desirability of the goals, suggesting they are more advantageous.

enhanced priorities

Focuses on the prioritization of improvements, indicating a shift in what is deemed most important.

superior objectives

Implies a higher quality or standard of goals, suggesting they are more effective or desirable.

refined goals

Suggests goals that have been improved through careful adjustment and precision.

optimized concerns

Focuses on concerns that have been carefully managed and improved to achieve the best possible outcome.

positive considerations

Highlights aspects that are beneficial and contribute to a favorable outcome.

strategic advantages

Emphasizes the tactical benefits and opportunities gained, framing interests as a form of advantage.

FAQs

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

You can use "better interests" to describe actions that improve someone's objectives or priorities. For example: "The new policy serves the "best interests" of the community."

What are some alternatives to "better interests"?

Alternatives include "greater good", ""best interests"", or "improved objectives", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "better interests"?

While "better interests" is not inherently grammatically incorrect, it's less common than alternatives like ""best interests"" and can sometimes sound awkward. Consider your audience and the level of formality required.

What's the difference between "better interests" and "best interests"?

"Better interests" suggests an improvement over a previous state, while ""best interests"" implies the most advantageous or optimal outcome. "Best interests" is often used in legal and ethical contexts.