better used to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better used to" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an attempt to convey familiarity or comfort with something, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "I am better used to working in a team environment than working alone."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

1), which described the push for quicker military equipment: We cannot help but wonder whether the money being proposed for the military's buildup and possible war against Iraq might not be better used to get us off oil dependency completely.

The New York Times

But it seems to provide a useful and predictive framework that could be better used to understand these differences and address them.

The Guardian

"Our resources can be better used to help persecuted Syrians.

Independent

"But still," he said, it is "better used to open, not to close".

The New York Times

Data might also be better used to give walkers and cyclists the chance to choose the least health-harming journeys.

The Guardian

Those losses, he said, are better used to offset short-term gains, which are taxed at a higher rate.

The New York Times

Critics say the funds would be better used to improve basic services to South Africa's poor black population.

The Guardian

The housing charity Shelter said the money spent on the policy could have been better used to provide housing.

The Guardian - Money

"These resources would perhaps be better used" to help them succeed, the union said in a statement this month.

The New York Times

"We think the money raised can be better used to preserve and extend what already exists at 42nd Street".

The New York Times - Arts

"This kind of money could be better used to solve so many other problems in women's health," said Dr. Lippman at McGill.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider rewording your sentence to use phrases like "more effectively used for" or "better suited for" to ensure grammatical correctness while maintaining your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "better used to" to express familiarity; instead, use "more accustomed to" or "more familiar with" to accurately convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better used to" functions as a comparative expression, suggesting that something could be employed more advantageously in a different context. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not considered grammatically correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "better used to" is frequently encountered, especially in news and media sources, it's important to acknowledge that it is considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI clearly indicates this. To maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity, consider replacing it with alternatives like "more effectively used for" or "better suited for". These options ensure your intended meaning is conveyed correctly and professionally across various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more effectively employed for

Emphasizes efficiency and purposefulness of the action.

better suited for

Highlights that a thing is naturally or more effectively aligned with another function.

more appropriately utilized for

Focuses on the suitability of use, employing more formal language.

more beneficially directed towards

Suggests an overall positive outcome and change of direction.

more wisely allocated to

Suggests prudence and careful resource management.

advantageously applied to

Highlights that there's an extra benefit.

serve a better purpose in

Focuses on the idea of having a better function elsewhere.

preferable to use for

Focuses on it being more desirable to use a thing for another reason.

could be re-purposed for

Highlights changing the original intent of something.

alternatively applied to

Simple switch in application.

FAQs

How can I rephrase a sentence using "better used to" to make it grammatically correct?

Instead of "better used to", try using phrases like "more effectively used for" or "better suited for" depending on the context.

What is a more formal way to say "better used to"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "more appropriately utilized for" or "advantageously applied to".

Is "better used to" grammatically correct in English?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "better used to" is not grammatically correct in standard written English. Consider rephrasing your sentence for clarity and correctness.

When should I avoid using the phrase "better used to"?

Avoid using "better used to" in formal writing or when grammatical accuracy is important. Opt for alternatives like "more effectively employed for" or "more wisely allocated to" in such situations.