both better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "both better" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly as it lacks a clear comparative structure. Example: "In this situation, both options are better than the previous one."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But the game made them both better painters.

The New York Times - Arts

It was both better and worse than expected.

The New Yorker

There have been terrifying changes, for both better and worse.

The Economist

The average sitcom, however, is both better written and directed.

The New York Times

It is getting us both better performance and speed".

The New York Times

Andy Bull If I knew that, I'd be both better off and bored stiff.

The Guardian - Sport

Insider information these days is therefore both better and more valuable than ever.

The New Yorker

Now they were both better, and he wanted to get on with his life.

The New York Times - Health

Over all, the surviving firefighters have fared both better and worse than doctors expected.

The New York Times

For McDyess, the days are both better and worse, now that he is back.

The New York Times - Sports

It was July, and things for Planned Parenthood had got both better and worse.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, ensure clarity by specifying what aspect they are "better" in. For example, instead of "both better", use "both better in terms of efficiency".

Common error

Avoid using "both better" without specifying what the items are better than. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "both better" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, aiming to describe two entities as superior in some unspecified way. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it lacks a clear comparative structure, making its grammatical function questionable in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "both better" is a frequently used expression to indicate that two things are superior in some way. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is not correct in standard written English. It lacks a clear comparative structure. Example sentences extracted from Ludwig show its application in news, scientific articles, and other media. Despite its common usage, it is advisable to use clearer and more grammatically structured alternatives such as "both superior" or "both improved" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both improved

Highlights that both subjects have undergone a positive change or enhancement.

both in a better state

Indicates an improved condition or situation for both subjects.

both are enhanced

Indicates that both subjects have been improved or augmented.

both superior

Emphasizes a higher quality in both items or situations being compared.

both are a step up

Suggests that both represent an advancement or improvement.

both of higher quality

Specifically refers to the enhanced quality of both items.

both stand out

Highlights the superior nature and relative advantage of both elements.

both more advantageous

Focuses on the benefits or advantages that both options or situations provide.

both more preferable

Highlights that both options are more desirable compared to something else.

both exceeding expectations

Implies that both have surpassed what was initially anticipated.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the phrase "both better" in a sentence?

While "both better" is commonly used, it often lacks clarity. To use it correctly, specify the aspect in which they are better. For example, "Both options are "more efficient" than the previous one".

What are some alternatives to saying "both better"?

You can use alternatives like "both superior", "both improved", or "both more advantageous" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "both better"?

According to Ludwig AI, the phrase "both better" is not correct in standard written English as it lacks a clear comparative structure. It's better to use alternatives like "both superior" or "both improved".

What does it mean when something is described as "both better and worse"?

When something is described as "both better and worse", it means that there are improvements in some aspects but also declines or drawbacks in others. It implies a mixed outcome.