better than most

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better than most" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare someone's abilities or qualities favorably against a majority of others in a specific context. Example: "Her performance in the competition was better than most, earning her a well-deserved second place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's better than most pills.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cabrera, of course, adapts better than most.

The New York Times - Sports

"Today's better than most," he said.

The New York Times

Coleman understood surveillance better than most.

The New Yorker

He ended up doing better than most.

The New York Times

Shay understands that better than most.

The New York Times - Sports

Indeed, Robben knows Mourinho better than most.

The New York Times - Sports

It's better than most, I know.

The New Yorker

He manages it better than most.

The New York Times - Sports

Probably better than most I suspect".

Independent

"Our economy is doing better than most.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "better than most", ensure you have a clear reference point for comparison. What exactly is being compared, and what constitutes 'most' in this context?

Common error

Avoid using "better than most" without specific context. Saying something is "better than most" is vague if you don't clarify what 'most' refers to, weakening the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better than most" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a quality to a greater degree than the majority of others in its group. Ludwig examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

8%

Reference

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "better than most" is a common and grammatically correct comparative phrase used to indicate that something surpasses the average in quality or ability. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is widely used and understood across various contexts, particularly in news, sports reporting, and general conversation. To ensure clarity, define the reference group when making comparisons. The phrase has a neutral register and serves to express favorable assessments without necessarily implying absolute superiority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superior to the majority

Emphasizes a higher degree of quality or performance compared to the majority.

above average

Indicates a performance or quality that exceeds the average level.

excels among others

Highlights exceptional performance in comparison to others.

outperforms the majority

Focuses on surpassing the performance of the majority.

stands out from the crowd

Implies a noticeable difference and superiority compared to others.

a cut above

Suggests a higher quality or standard compared to the norm.

in a league of its own

Indicates a level of performance so high that it's incomparable.

top-tier

Denotes belonging to the highest level or rank.

elite compared to others

Highlights a select group with superior qualities or abilities.

surpasses expectations

Implies exceeding what is typically expected or anticipated.

FAQs

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

The phrase "better than most" is used to indicate that something or someone is superior in quality or ability compared to the majority. For example: "His understanding of the subject is "better than most" students in the class."

What are some alternatives to "better than most"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "superior to the majority", "above average", or "excels among others".

Is it more effective to say "better than most" or "the best"?

The choice depends on the context. "The best" implies being the absolute highest quality, while "better than most" suggests a high quality that surpasses the average, but not necessarily the absolute top. If you want to say something is superior, but not the best, then you should use "better than most".

What does "better than most" imply about the subject being discussed?

Using the phrase "better than most" indicates that the subject in question possesses qualities or abilities that are superior compared to the average or majority within its category or group. It suggests a level of excellence that is noteworthy, but not necessarily unmatched.