better than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better than" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to compare two things, indicating that one is superior to the other in some way. Example: "This new model is better than the previous version in terms of performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Better than survived.

The New Yorker

Better than 'Inception'?

Independent

"Better than feeling afraid".

The New York Times

We're better than fine.

The New York Times

"That's better than war".

The New York Times

"Nothing better than that".

The New York Times - Sports

Better than its shares!

The New York Times

Way better than me.

The New Yorker

Better than him.

The New York Times - Sports

It's better than steroids".

The New York Times - Sports

Who better than youth?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "better than", ensure that the comparison is clear and specific. Avoid vague comparisons that lack context or measurable criteria. For instance, instead of saying "This is better than that", specify "This car is better than that one in terms of fuel efficiency and safety ratings."

Common error

While "better than" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "superior to", "more effective than", or "preferable to" to add variety and precision to your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better than" functions as a comparative, establishing that one entity or attribute surpasses another. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, confirming its role in expressing relative superiority. It typically connects two nouns or noun phrases, highlighting a difference in quality or desirability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "better than" is a versatile and commonly used comparative phrase, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times, BBC, and Forbes. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. Its primary function is to express superiority or preference, making it suitable for various contexts ranging from informal conversations to news articles. While the phrase is generally acceptable, formal writing may benefit from more sophisticated alternatives to prevent repetition. Remember to maintain clarity in comparisons and avoid overuse. While "better than me" is acceptable in casual settings, "better than I" is more grammatically correct for formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superior to

Indicates a higher rank or quality, implying a more formal comparison.

preferable to

Emphasizes choice and liking, suggesting a subjective preference.

outperforming

Specifically used when comparing performance or results.

more advantageous than

Highlights the benefits of one option over another.

exceeding

Focuses on surpassing a certain level or expectation.

surpassing

Similar to exceeding, but can imply a more significant difference.

greater than

A straightforward comparison of size, amount, or degree.

a cut above

An idiomatic expression suggesting higher quality or class.

one step ahead of

Implies being more advanced or prepared.

incomparable to

Suggests such a large difference in quality, that the items are not comparable.

FAQs

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

Use "better than" to compare two things, indicating one is superior. For example, "This solution is "better than" the previous one because it's more efficient".

What's a more formal alternative to "better than"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "superior to", "more effective than", or "preferable to".

Is it grammatically correct to say "better than me" or "better than I"?

While "better than me" is common in informal speech, "better than I" is grammatically correct in formal writing. However, to avoid awkwardness, consider rephrasing the sentence: "He is "better than" I am" or "He's "better than" me".

What is the difference between "better than" and "rather than"?

"Better than" indicates superiority, while "rather than" indicates preference or choice between alternatives.