better to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that one option is preferable or more advisable than another. Example: "When faced with a difficult decision, it's often better to do what feels right for you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nothing better to do.

The New Yorker

Others had nothing better to do.

The New Yorker

"There ain't nothing better to do".

The New York Times

"Well, there's nothing better to do.

The New York Times

"I got nothin better to do, Mister".

The New Yorker

Better to do it now, he said.

The New York Times - Health

He had nothing better to do.

The New Yorker

"Nothing better to do, I come here".

The New Yorker

With nothing better to do.

The New Yorker

Didn't she have anything better to do?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Those are the ones that are better to do online.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a decision, use "better to do" to clearly indicate the preferred option or course of action. For instance, "It's better to do your research before making a large investment".

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "better to do" in formal writing can sound simplistic. Enhance sophistication by varying your phrasing with alternatives like "more advisable" or "preferable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better to do" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a preference or recommendation for a particular action. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it guiding decisions or suggesting optimal courses of action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

19%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "better to do" is a versatile phrase that is grammatically correct and commonly used, as verified by Ludwig. It serves to express a preference or recommendation for a specific action, typically in neutral contexts. While perfectly acceptable in most situations, remember to vary your phrasing to maintain sophistication in formal writing. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Academic sources, indicating its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preferable to undertake

Emphasizes choice based on advantage or suitability.

advisable to implement

Highlights the recommended or sensible course of action.

wiser to execute

Suggests prudence and good judgment in taking action.

more effective to accomplish

Focuses on achieving a desired result with greater efficiency.

superior to perform

Indicates a higher quality or standard of execution.

prudent to initiate

Highlights the careful and strategic commencement of an action.

advantageous to pursue

Stresses the beneficial aspects of following a particular course.

recommended to carry out

Implies that a specific action is officially endorsed or suggested.

sensible to enact

Suggests rationality and practicality in the implementation of a plan.

expedient to fulfill

Focuses on achieving an objective efficiently, possibly by prioritizing speed and convenience.

FAQs

How can I use "better to do" in a sentence?

Use "better to do" to suggest a more advisable or preferable action. For example, "It's "better to do" your homework before watching TV".

What can I say instead of "better to do"?

You can use alternatives like "preferable to do", "advisable to do", or "wiser to do" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "better to do" or "better to doing"?

"Better to do" is correct when followed by a verb in its base form (infinitive without 'to'). "Better to doing" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "better to do" and "better off doing"?

"Better to do" suggests a general preference, while "better off doing" implies that a particular action will improve one's situation. For example, "It's better to do your taxes early" vs. "You're better off doing your taxes early to avoid penalties".