do better by

USAGE SUMMARY

"do better by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone should attempt to improve a specific situation through their actions. Example: We must do better by our environment and reduce our carbon footprint.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

AMERICA could do better by its mothers.

The Economist

He must do better by Sir George.

The Economist

We simply have to do better by them".

The New York Times

It is doubtful they would do better by waiting for the proposed legislation.

The New York Times

Dickens had a wretched childhood and was determined to do better by his own children.

The New York Times

The next mayor will have to do better by them than Mr. Bloomberg.

The New York Times

"Let us do better by this generation of men and women".

The New York Times

Recently, too, the West has tended to do better by women than the East.

The New York Times - Magazine

We can do better by the American people — and we will with this bill," he said.

The New York Times

We promised ourselves we would do better by Nigel when his time came.

The New Yorker

And he said then that the French state must "do better by spending less".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "do better by", clearly specify who or what will benefit from the improved actions. For example, "The company should do better by its employees" is more effective than simply saying, "The company should do better."

Common error

Avoid using "do better by" in vague statements without specifying who or what should benefit. Always clarify the target of the improved actions to ensure the statement is meaningful and actionable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do better by" primarily functions as a verb phrase, suggesting an action aimed at improving the circumstances or treatment of a specific entity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes the necessity of enhancement in a particular context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do better by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, indicating a need for improvement in the treatment or handling of a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread acceptance. Appearing predominantly in News & Media sources, it is versatile enough for both formal and informal communication. To use it effectively, specify the beneficiary of the improved actions. Alternatives such as "improve treatment of" or "act more responsibly toward" can be used to convey similar meanings in slightly different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

improve treatment of

Focuses specifically on enhancing how someone or something is treated.

treat more favorably

Emphasizes giving preferential treatment or showing kindness.

act more responsibly toward

Highlights the aspect of responsibility and ethical behavior.

show more consideration for

Stresses thoughtfulness and empathy in one's actions.

make improvements for

Directly addresses the act of making enhancements or positive changes.

provide better support for

Specifically refers to offering assistance or resources.

offer better opportunities to

Highlights the act of creating or providing enhanced opportunities.

adopt a more ethical stance toward

Emphasizes ethical considerations and moral principles.

implement better strategies for

Focuses on improving plans and methods for a specific purpose.

enhance the well-being of

Emphasizes improving the overall health and happiness of someone or something.

FAQs

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

Use "do better by" to express the need to improve treatment or conditions for a specific person, group, or thing. For example, "We need to do better by our environment" or "The government must do better by its veterans".

What is a similar phrase to "do better by"?

Alternatives to "do better by" include phrases like "improve treatment of", "treat more favorably", or "act more responsibly toward", depending on the specific context.

Is "do better by" formal or informal?

"Do better by" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While it is frequently used in news and media, it is also appropriate for professional and academic writing.

Can "do better by" be used in all situations where improvement is needed?

While "do better by" generally indicates a need for improvement, it specifically implies that the improvement should benefit the target. If the focus is solely on the act of improving without a clear beneficiary, alternatives like "make improvements" may be more appropriate.