better still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better still" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a suggestion or idea that is an improvement over what has just been mentioned. Example: "The weather is nice today; better still, it's supposed to be sunny all weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Better still.

The New York Times - Tech

Better, still, to stay.

The Economist

Better still, it's Fairtrade.

Independent

Better still, watch it.

The New Yorker

Better still, start over.

The New York Times

Better still, real helicopters.

The New Yorker

It could do better still.

The Economist

Better still was Londoner Shayden.

Independent

Better still, streamline the sentence.

The New York Times

A female is better still.

The New Yorker

The mains are better still.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "better still", maintain a concise and direct writing style. It functions best when it immediately precedes the improved idea or option.

Common error

Avoid using "better still" if the connection between the initial statement and the follow-up is unclear or doesn't represent a genuine improvement. The phrase can lose its impact or confuse readers if the context is ambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better still" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to introduce an improved or more desirable alternative. It acts as a discourse marker, signaling a shift to a more favorable aspect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally used to highlight an enhancement over what has been previously mentioned.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

11%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "better still" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce an enhanced or improved alternative. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct and sees frequent use across various reputable sources, especially in news and formal business contexts. When incorporating "better still" into your writing, ensure the context clearly signals an improvement. To maintain clarity, avoid using it in ambiguous situations. For alternative phrasing, consider "even better" or "what's more". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "better still" to emphasize benefits and enhance the persuasive power of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

still better

This alternative reverses the order of the words while retaining nearly the same meaning and force.

even better

This alternative is a more direct synonym, emphasizing the improved state or option.

what's more

This alternative introduces an additional point that strengthens the initial statement.

more to the point

This alternative emphasizes the relevance or importance of the following statement.

on top of that

This alternative is similar to "what's more" but can be slightly more emphatic.

furthermore

This alternative introduces a statement that builds upon the previous one, adding more information or justification.

in addition

This alternative simply adds another related point without necessarily implying improvement.

to make matters better

This alternative explicitly indicates that the addition improves an existing situation.

to top it off

This alternative is more informal and suggests a final, positive addition to a situation.

and that's not all

This alternative highlights that more positive aspects or information will follow.

FAQs

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

Use "better still" to introduce an improvement or more advantageous option following a previous statement. For example, "The weather is pleasant; "better still", there's a gentle breeze."

What's a similar phrase to "better still"?

You can use alternatives such as "even better", "what's more", or "more to the point" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "better still" formal or informal?

"Better still" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall style of the writing.

Can I use "better still" at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically acceptable, starting a sentence with "better still" might sound slightly unusual. It typically functions as a connector to add an improvement to a previous thought. Consider rephrasing if it feels awkward at the start.