better relate

USAGE SUMMARY

"better relate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to suggest that someone is able to express their thoughts or understanding of a situation more effectively than before. For example: "After studying the material, Jane was able to better relate to the concept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I want to be honest.' When you're honest, the listener can better relate to you".

The Guardian - Music

Scott said he believes that former players have an advantage as coaches because they can better relate to the players.

The New York Times - Sports

"Experimenting with words that [patients] may better relate to could help overcome these barriers; like substituting 'depression' for 'sadness'sadness

The Guardian

The approach I describe suggests a way to better relate the evolutionary dynamics with the underlying physiology.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

There were people in high fashion I could better relate to, who were doing something more interesting and not talking this sort of rubbish".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stoler tried a gluten-free diet a few years ago to better relate to the daily challenges of her patients with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The Washington Post

The key lesson here is that discovery myths are slanted to focus on great people and decisive events, so people can better relate to them.

Harvard Business Review

Acting out a breach scenario can help employees, technical or not, better relate to organizational risk and inspire a new level of mindfulness when it comes to cybersecurity.

Harvard Business Review

Acting out a breach scenario can help employees better relate to organizational risk and inspire a new level of mindfulness when it comes to cybersecurity.

Harvard Business Review

Additionally, I provide suggestions for critical reading assignments, topics for in-class discussions, and ways to help students better relate to academic texts.

University of California, Berkeley

Technology, in short, enables us to better relate and interact with each other and our surroundings, thus lowering the barriers for citizen engagement.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "better relate" to suggest an improved ability to understand, connect with, or communicate with someone or something. For example, "The training helped employees better relate to customer needs."

Common error

While "better relate" often implies improved understanding, it also encompasses connection and empathy. Don't use it solely when improved comprehension is meant; ensure the context involves a relationship or interaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better relate" functions as an adverbial modifier enhancing the verb. It indicates an improved ability to establish a connection, understand, or empathize with something or someone, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "better relate" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an improved ability to connect with, understand, or empathize with something or someone. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples shows that the phrase appears frequently in "News & Media", "Science" and "Academia". When using "better relate", ensure that the context involves a relationship or interaction and use this phrase in favor of alternatives such as "relate more effectively" to express a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relate more effectively

Focuses on the effectiveness of the relationship or connection.

connect on a deeper level

Emphasizes the depth and emotional connection between individuals.

understand more fully

Highlights a more complete and thorough comprehension.

improve communication

Concentrates on enhancing the exchange of information and ideas.

build stronger rapport

Stresses the development of a harmonious and trusting relationship.

foster greater empathy

Highlights the development of understanding and sharing the feelings of another.

bridge the gap

Focuses on overcoming differences or obstacles to understanding.

find common ground

Emphasizes discovering shared interests or beliefs.

establish a connection

Highlights forming a bond or link between people or ideas.

cultivate understanding

Focuses on nurturing and developing mutual comprehension.

FAQs

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

You can use "better relate" to describe an improved ability to understand or connect with something. For example: "The new software helps users "better relate" to complex data sets."

What can I say instead of "better relate"?

Alternatives to "better relate" include "relate more effectively", "connect on a deeper level", or "understand more fully" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "better relate" or "more better relate"?

"Better relate" is the correct form. "More better relate" is redundant because "better" already implies a comparative degree.

What's the difference between "better relate" and "simply understand"?

"Better relate" implies a connection or empathy, while "simply understand" focuses solely on comprehension. For instance, you might "better relate" to a character in a story, but simply understand a scientific concept.