better to find

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better to find" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that discovering or locating something is preferable in a given context. Example: "In this situation, it's better to find a solution quickly rather than procrastinate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Better to find an alternative.

The New York Times

Where better to find it musically than among Pulitzer winners?

The New York Times - Arts

Isn't it always better to find cancer early?

The New York Times

Better to find out before I hand over the money.

The Guardian

Better to find out in advance, I guess.

The New York Times - Food

But better to find out late in his career than not at all.

The New York Times - Sports

Dr. Lipkin thought it might be better to find viruses in a different way.

The New York Times - Science

Better to find ways to allow more to come legally but not necessarily to stay.

The Economist

— help him fit the skullcap, so to speak, the better to find romance.

The New York Times

Where better to find your next read than the library literature collection?

University of California, Berkeley

But never do this in Italy — better to find a cute boy on a Vespa.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "better to find" when suggesting that discovering or locating something provides an advantage or avoids a negative outcome. For example, "It's better to find out about potential allergies before adopting a pet."

Common error

While "better to find" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "preferable to discover" or "more advantageous to locate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better to find" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used to express a recommendation or suggestion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and common construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "better to find" is a grammatically sound and commonly used construction in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to recommend or suggest that discovering or locating something is the preferred action, often to prevent negative outcomes or achieve advantageous results. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to consider the specific context and opt for more formal alternatives like "preferable to discover" in certain situations. With its frequent usage across diverse sources such as news media, wikis, and scientific publications, mastering the nuances of "better to find" can significantly enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prefer to discover

Focuses on the act of discovering something as a preference.

best to locate

Emphasizes the optimal action of locating something.

more advantageous to uncover

Highlights the benefit of uncovering something.

wiser to detect

Suggests a more prudent approach to detecting something.

more sensible to ascertain

Implies a rational decision to ascertain something.

advisable to pinpoint

Recommends pinpointing something for a specific reason.

superior to identify

Indicates that identifying something is the better choice.

worthwhile to unearth

Suggests that unearthing something has value.

prudent to seek

Implies a careful and wise approach to seeking something.

optimal to reveal

Highlights that revealing something is the best course of action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "better to find" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "preferable to discover", "more advantageous to locate", or "advisable to ascertain" depending on the context.

What are some common situations where "better to find" is appropriate?

"Better to find" is appropriate when suggesting that early discovery or location can prevent problems or lead to better outcomes. For instance, "It's better to find a good mechanic before your car breaks down."

Is "better to find out" different from "better to find"?

While similar, "better to find out" specifically emphasizes the act of gaining knowledge or information, whereas "better to find" can refer to locating a physical object or a solution. Example: "It's "better to find out" the truth than to live a lie" versus "It's better to find a replacement part than to buy a new machine".

What's the difference between "better to find" and "best to find"?

"Better to find" suggests a preference or advantage in finding something, while "best to find" implies that finding something is the most optimal or ideal solution. "Best to find" is a stronger recommendation.