do even better

USAGE SUMMARY

"do even better" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is typically used as an encouragement to someone to try to improve upon an already good job or situation. For example, "You did a great job on the project, but I know you can do even better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Firefighters do even better.

The New York Times

Can we help them do even better?

Independent

It will do even better from gas.

The Economist

State judges can do even better.

The New York Times

"Iraq would do even better".

The New York Times

Certain types do even better.

The New York Times

Good lawyers do even better.

The New York Times

College graduates do even better.

The New York Times

We can still do even better.

The Guardian

They want to do even better".

The New York Times

Shennan reckons it can do even better.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing a performance review, use "do even better" to set motivational and inspirational, but concrete and actionable goals for the next period.

Common error

Avoid using "do even better" when discussing failures or significant shortcomings. It's more appropriate when there's already a positive base to build upon. If you use it after a failure you can make it sound like a sarcastic, or an understatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do even better" functions primarily as an encouragement or motivational statement, suggesting the possibility of improving upon an already positive outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is typically used to inspire someone to aim higher and excel further.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do even better" is a common and grammatically sound way to encourage improvement upon an existing success. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves as a motivational statement adaptable to various contexts, from news reporting to professional encouragement. While the phrase enjoys wide usage across diverse sources, it's particularly prevalent in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts. To avoid misuse, be sure that you use "do even better" in motivational and inspirational contexts and avoid negative connotations or failures. Related alternatives such as "excel further" and "improve further" can be used for variety, but remember that each carries slightly different nuances. Use "do even better" to inspire growth, set higher standards, and build upon existing accomplishments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

improve further

Highlights the ongoing process of making something better.

achieve more

Focuses on attaining greater accomplishments or results.

excel further

Emphasizes exceeding current performance levels to a greater degree.

surpass expectations

Focuses on exceeding anticipated outcomes or achievements.

reach new heights

Suggests achieving a higher level of success or attainment.

outperform oneself

Implies beating one's own previous best efforts or records.

go above and beyond

Emphasizes exceeding what is expected or required.

raise the bar

Suggests setting a new, higher standard of performance.

take it to the next level

Implies advancing to a higher stage of development or performance.

make greater strides

Highlights significant progress and advancement.

FAQs

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

Use "do even better" to suggest improving upon an already good performance. For example, "You did a great job, I'm sure you can "do even better" next time."

What's a more formal alternative to "do even better"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "achieve further improvement", "attain a higher standard", or "surpass current performance" as more professional alternatives.

Is it correct to say "does even better" instead of "do even better"?

Yes, "does even better" is correct when the subject is singular and third person (he/she/it). For example, "She already excels, but she "does even better" under pressure."

When is it not appropriate to use the phrase "do even better"?

Avoid using "do even better" in situations where the initial performance was unsatisfactory or in contexts requiring serious criticism. In such cases, focusing on specific areas for improvement is more constructive.