better than the next

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better than the next" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare one thing favorably against another, often in a competitive context. Example: "In the world of technology, innovation is key, and our product is better than the next in terms of performance and user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I think every set was better than the next.

The Guardian - Sport

He treated all people alike and to him no man was better than the next man.

The New York Times

We have to be better than the next most comparable alternative.

The New York Times - Tech

"My piece isn't going to be better than the next person's.

The New York Times - Arts

It's nothing new, to view yourself as better than the next person and to be encouraged in that belief.

The Guardian - Opinion

We can't create enclaves [of responsible mines] and think we want to be better than the next person".

The Guardian

"So, to Keith and Shari, may each day be better than the next, better than the last".

The New York Times

"We don't want to dig ourselves a hole by saying one soil type is better than the next," said Steve Ammerman, a spokesman for the bureau.

The New York Times

"We all think that we can switch channels better than the next guy," Andrew Siciliano, DirecTV's NFL Red Zone host, said.

The New York Times - Sports

But, he added, "The experience, the numbers, are so small that you can't really say one is better than the next".

The New York Times - Science

The trouble, from an athlete's point of view, is that none of this explains why Jordan is better than the next guy.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "better than the next" in comparative analyses, ensure that the criteria for comparison are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'This model is better than the next', specify 'This model is better than the next in terms of fuel efficiency and maintenance costs'.

Common error

Avoid using "better than the next" without providing specific context or supporting evidence. Statements like 'Our service is better than the next' can sound unsubstantiated without clear reasons or examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better than the next" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, indicating a superior quality or advantage relative to a subsequent item or entity. Ludwig examples confirm its role in making direct comparisons across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "better than the next" is a common and grammatically correct way to express superiority or preference, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's frequently used in news and media, as well as in scientific and business contexts. While versatile, it's important to provide clear criteria when making such comparisons to avoid ambiguity. As shown in Ludwig's examples, the phrase is widely accepted and understood, making it a reliable choice for expressing comparative advantage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superior to what follows

Replaces 'better' with 'superior' and restructures the phrase to emphasize the higher quality relative to subsequent items.

surpassing the subsequent one

Highlights surpassing a specific element in a sequence.

exceeding the subsequent

Uses 'exceeding' to indicate surpassing the next item in a series.

more desirable than the following

Shifts the focus to desirability instead of overall quality.

outperforming what comes after

Focuses on the action of 'outperforming' the next element.

preferable to the succeeding

Indicates a preference for one thing over the next.

more advantageous than the succeeding

Employs 'advantageous' to highlight the benefits over the next.

eclipsing the next one

Uses 'eclipsing' to suggest outshining or diminishing the importance of the next item.

a cut above the ensuing

Uses the idiom 'a cut above' to denote higher quality compared to what follows.

standing out above what's next

Focuses on prominence and distinction compared to what follows.

FAQs

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

You can use "better than the next" to compare something favorably to another option. For example, "This year's model is "better than the last" in terms of fuel efficiency", or "Our team's performance was "better than the next" team in the league".

What's a more formal way to say "better than the next"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "superior to the following", "exceeds the subsequent", or "outperforms the succeeding" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it always necessary to specify how something is "better than the next"?

While not always mandatory, specifying the criteria for comparison makes your statement more convincing and less ambiguous. For instance, "This software update is "better than the next" in terms of security and speed" provides clear value.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when using "better than the next"?

Avoid overgeneralization and unsupported claims. Always ensure your comparisons are based on concrete evidence or clearly defined criteria. Saying "Our product is simply "better than the next"" without context can weaken your argument.