better like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better like" is not standard or widely accepted in written English.
It may be used informally in spoken language to express a preference or suggestion, but it is not appropriate for formal writing. Example: "You'd better like the new restaurant we chose for dinner."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

I'd better like to fly.

The New York Times

You'd better like prawns, that's for sure.

The Economist

I drive about 3,500 miles a month, so I'd better like my car.

The New York Times

So I'd better like these people around me, or at least get to trust them.

The New York Times

"You're going to be spending a lot of time with them, so you'd better like them".

The New York Times

With a teardrop, you'd better like people, because they gather around five deep".

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr Berzins is better liked.

The Economist

Mr Schröder remains personally much better liked than Mr Stoiber.

The Economist

Jim Callaghan was better liked than Margaret Thatcher in 1979.

The Guardian - Business

He is better known, but not entirely better liked.See full details of the poll.

The Economist

By now, Goodspeed audiences have seen the better likes of it, better served.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If writing formally, replace "better like" with a grammatically standard alternative, such as "prefer" or "would rather".

Common error

Avoid using "better like" in formal writing contexts, such as academic papers or business reports, where it may be perceived as grammatically incorrect or too informal. Use "prefer" or "would rather" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better like" functions as a comparative way to express liking or preference, often suggesting a degree of necessity or advisability. This can be interpreted as an informal way of suggesting someone should prefer or enjoy something. As Ludwig AI reports, this phrase is acceptable, and understandable in informal contexts. Some examples illustrate this, like "I'd better like to fly" or "You'd better like prawns".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "better like" is an informal expression used to convey a preference or recommendation, often with a hint of necessity. While it's understandable in casual contexts, Ludwig AI indicates that standard alternatives such as "prefer" or "would rather" are preferable in formal writing. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, its informality makes it unsuitable for professional or academic settings. When writing, consider the context and audience to determine if "better like" is appropriate or if a more grammatically standard phrase is needed. Alternatives such as "would prefer" or "should enjoy" are viable options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prefer

A more standard and direct way to express a liking for something over something else.

would prefer

Similar to "prefer" but adds a conditional aspect, implying a choice.

would rather

Expresses a preference, often implying a choice between options.

favor

Indicates a preference or approval for something.

lean towards

Suggests a tendency to prefer something without a strong commitment.

gravitate towards

Implies a natural inclination or attraction to something.

be more inclined to

Formal way of expressing a preference or tendency.

be partial to

Indicates a fondness or special liking for something.

take a liking to

Suggests the beginning of a positive sentiment toward something.

find more appealing

Focuses on the attractiveness or desirability of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "better like" in informal contexts to express preference or necessity, such as "You'd "better like" spicy food if you're visiting Thailand" or "I'd "better like" my new boss."

What is a more formal alternative to "better like"?

For formal writing, use "prefer" or "would rather" instead of "better like". For example, instead of "You'd better like it", say "You would prefer it" or "You should prefer it".

Is "better like" grammatically correct?

While understandable in informal speech, "better like" doesn't follow standard grammatical rules. It's more of a colloquial expression. It's usually clearer to use the term "prefer".

When is it appropriate to use "better like"?

"Better like" is suitable for informal conversations or casual writing where a relaxed tone is acceptable. Avoid it in professional or academic settings. It could be more efficient to use the term "should enjoy" or "find appealing".