better than good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better than good" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a level of quality that exceeds what is considered good, often in a positive or enthusiastic context. Example: "The food at that restaurant is better than good; it's absolutely fantastic!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Better Than Good: Creating a Life You Can't Wait to Live.

Wikipedia

Better than good.

The New York Times

Oh, better than good.

The New York Times - Science

Better than good enough: it was great.

The New York Times

Pascal Menoret is better than good.

The Economist

Better than good, as it goes.

Independent

Google Earth is actually better than good.

The New York Times - Tech

This is better than good".

The New York Times - Sports

It was better than good.

The Guardian - Sport

Desserts are generally better than good.

The New York Times

It was all better than good.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "better than good" to emphasize a quality that not only meets expectations but significantly exceeds them. It's effective for expressing enthusiasm and positive surprise.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "better than good" excessively in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "exceptional" or "superb" for a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better than good" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, enhancing the description of a noun by indicating a quality that surpasses mere goodness. As Ludwig AI suggests, it expresses a level of quality exceeding what is considered good, often in a positive or enthusiastic manner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Arts

20%

General Writing

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "better than good" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a quality that exceeds typical expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to express a positive sentiment, highlighting instances where something surpasses the standard of 'good'. Predominantly found in news, media, and general writing, it holds a neutral to informal tone. When aiming for polished, formal writing, consider synonyms like "exceptional" or "superb". Ludwig's analysis points to its versatility and widespread applicability in expressing pleasant surprise and exceeded expectations across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional

Single word that directly conveys superior quality.

outstanding

Emphasizes the prominence and distinction of the subject.

superior

Highlights the elevated nature and advantage over others.

first-rate

Indicates top quality and excellence.

top-notch

Informal but clear expression of high quality.

beyond compare

Suggests unparalleled quality that cannot be matched.

unparalleled

Indicates that nothing else reaches this level.

in a class of its own

Highlights uniqueness and unmatched quality.

a cut above

Informal way to express that something is noticeably better.

head and shoulders above

More emphatic way of saying something is significantly better.

FAQs

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

You can use "better than good" to describe something that exceeds typical expectations of quality, for example: "The service was "better than good"; it was exceptional."

What phrases are similar to "better than good"?

Alternatives include "exceptional", "outstanding", or "superior", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "better than good" in formal writing?

While "better than good" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "superb" or "excellent" to maintain a polished tone.

What's the nuance of using "better than good" versus "excellent"?

"Better than good" often conveys a sense of pleasant surprise or exceeded expectations, while "excellent" is a more straightforward descriptor of high quality. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.