better the case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better the case" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to suggest that a situation or argument is improved, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "If we want to win this debate, we need to better the case for our argument."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The longer he went on, the better the case he appeared to be making for Gatwick.

The Guardian

"It's yet another example of police manipulating the evidence to perhaps better the case, to make it look a little better, with no harm done".

The Guardian

Awkwardly, the better the argument for keeping the firm broad, the better the case for joining forces with a retail and commercial bank.

The Economist

This kind of "evaluational" incommensurability, rather than meaning incommensurability, might fit better the case of world pictures based on attunement versus world pictures that sever the connection between understanding and attunement.

SEP

The more criteria that are elicited, the better the case for causality.

Dermato-Endocrinology

The second scenario seems to fit better the case of Musculista: M haplotypes are extremely rare in male somatic tissues of this species, so that we can assume that M mitochondria are actively segregated to germ line.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"The fine came in £270m better than we expected for RBS, £850m better in the case of Barclays," he said.

BBC

That had better be the case.

The New York Times

For their sake, that better be the case.

The New York Times

It's clear it would have been better if the case had never gone to the court.

The Guardian

Even better, when the case is open, it holds the iPad and keyboard together like a laptop.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the phrase "better the case", opt for clearer and more widely accepted alternatives like "strengthen the argument" or "improve the situation" to ensure your writing is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "better the case" as it is not a standard English construction. This phrase can sound unnatural and may confuse readers. Choose more common and direct alternatives for improved clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better the case" functions as a verb phrase intended to describe the act of improving or strengthening an argument or situation. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this phrasing is not considered grammatically correct in standard English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "better the case" appears in some sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect and non-standard English. It aims to convey the idea of strengthening an argument or improving a situation. However, clearer and more common alternatives like "strengthen the argument" or "improve the situation" are recommended for enhanced clarity. Its usage is infrequent but tends to occur in news and media, and scientific contexts, so a neutral and clear language is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strengthen the argument

Focuses on making the argument more convincing.

improve the situation

Emphasizes making the overall circumstances better.

bolster the case

Similar to strengthening, but with a sense of providing support.

make a stronger argument

Directly indicates the act of creating a more compelling case.

build a better case

Suggests a step-by-step approach to constructing a more solid case.

enhance the argument

Focuses on improving the quality and impact of the argument.

reinforce the argument

Highlights the act of adding further support to an existing argument.

improve one's position

Emphasizes making one's standpoint more advantageous.

develop a stronger case

Highlights the process of expanding and reinforcing the support for an argument.

advance the argument

Implies moving the argument forward and making it more persuasive.

FAQs

What does "better the case" mean?

The phrase "better the case" isn't standard English. It seems to mean to improve or strengthen an argument or situation. More common alternatives include "strengthen the argument" or "improve the situation".

How can I "strengthen the argument" /s/strengthen+the+argument in a debate?

To "strengthen the argument" you can provide more evidence, use logical reasoning, address counterarguments, and ensure your claims are clear and well-supported.

Is "better the case" grammatically correct?

Ludwig AI identifies "better the case" as grammatically incorrect. While it appears in some contexts, it is not a standard or widely accepted English construction.

What are some alternatives to "improve the situation" /s/improve+the+situation?

Alternatives to "improve the situation" include "ameliorate the circumstances", "enhance the conditions", or "make things better" depending on the specific context.