better sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing sentences to indicate that one is of higher quality or more effective than another. Example: "After reviewing both options, I believe the second option is a better sentence for conveying the intended message."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I can't think of anyone working in the English language who writes a better sentence.

The Guardian - Books

The prison system is understood to have recently improved IPP inmates' access to rehabilitation courses with better sentence planning and prioritised places on courses.

The Guardian

Le Carré has never written a better sentence, one so impatient of ideology and so attentive to what he, following W. H. Auden, describes plainly as "the human situation".

The New Yorker

Along these lines, in the future, he hopes to show that by quantifying the surprisal or novelty of a particular word or phrase, models are able to make better sentence importance predictions.

Columbia University

I can teach you how to write a better sentence, how to write dialogue, maybe even how to construct a plot.

Huffington Post

Here's one: "So they went back to the lower ground and took off their shoes and stockings on the thick green grass". You can't make a better sentence than that in English, to my mind.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Joe public think "tougher" sentences make for better sentencing.

The Guardian

And she writes better sentences than most writers do.

The Guardian - Books

They don't say "I want better sentencing laws" or "better police behaviour".

The Guardian

Thinking patiently will yield far better sentences than you thought you could make.

The New York Times

Almost all of them write better sentences and cleaner paragraphs too.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a "better sentence", focus on clarity and conciseness. Remove unnecessary words and ensure the sentence conveys its message directly.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex vocabulary or sentence structures in an attempt to create a "better sentence". Simplicity often enhances clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better sentence" functions as a noun phrase, where 'better' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'sentence'. It is typically used to express the idea of superiority or improvement in the quality or effectiveness of a sentence. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase is often found in discussions about writing and grammar.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

23%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Science

11%

Reference

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "better sentence" is used to describe a sentence that is clearer, more concise, or more effective than an alternative. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in a variety of contexts, including news, academic writing, and general discussions about writing. When striving for a "better sentence", remember to prioritize clarity and conciseness and also remember that overcomplicating the structures does not yield in a great improvement. Consider alternatives such as "improved sentence" or "more effective wording" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enhanced sentence quality

General improvement in the overall characteristics of the sentence.

improved sentence structure

Focuses specifically on the arrangement of words within the sentence.

clearer sentence construction

Emphasizes ease of understanding and unambiguous language.

polished sentence

Implies that the sentence has been carefully edited to remove any imperfections.

more effective wording

Highlights the impact and persuasiveness of the sentence's choice of words.

refined sentence phrasing

Focuses on polishing and perfecting the way the sentence is expressed.

stronger sentence

Indicates that the sentence is more impactful and convincing.

optimised sentence

Suggests the sentence has been adapted to function at its best

succinct sentence

Focuses on making the sentence more concise and to the point.

more precise sentence

Highlights the accuracy and exactness of the sentence's language.

FAQs

How can I identify a "better sentence" in my writing?

A "better sentence" is typically clearer, more concise, and more impactful than alternative formulations. It effectively conveys the intended meaning without unnecessary words or convoluted structure.

What are some techniques for writing a "better sentence"?

Techniques include using active voice, avoiding unnecessary jargon, and ensuring the sentence flows logically. Consider also reading your work aloud to identify awkward phrasing.

Which is correct, "good sentence" or "better sentence"?

"Good sentence" is correct but refers to acceptable writing. "Better sentence" implies a comparison, suggesting it is superior to another option.

What can I say instead of aiming for a "better sentence"?

You can aim for "improved sentence", "clearer sentence", or "more effective sentence" depending on the context.