goes better

USAGE SUMMARY

"goes better" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use "goes better" to describe a situation or action that is improving or becoming more successful. Example: "After a few weeks of practice, her singing goes better and better with each performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This goes better.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He can only hope this one goes better.

The New York Times

"Everything goes better on any trip when you eat with discipline" he said.

The New York Times

That goes better with an alpha of 0.5, the Pareto-Levy distribution.

The New York Times

She feels nervous about falling in love with him, but her work goes better.

The New Yorker

As the saying goes, better to repair the roof when the sun is shining.

The Washington Post

Nothing goes better with a good steak au poivre than potatoes, either fried, baked or gratineed.

The New York Times

My name now goes better with my surname: Jaz Daze has a nice ring to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Malakov's interview went better.

The New Yorker

Things could have gone better.

The New York Times - Sports

(The second day went better).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "goes better" to describe situations where a change or adjustment leads to a more favorable outcome. For example, "This strategy goes better with our current market conditions."

Common error

While versatile, "goes better" might sound too informal in highly professional or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "is more effective" or "is more suitable" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "goes better" primarily functions as a comparative verb phrase. It's used to express that one option, method, or item is more suitable, effective, or harmonious than another in a given context. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "goes better" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate preference or suitability, as confirmed by Ludwig. It’s versatile across different contexts, although more common in news and media than formal academic writing. While the phrase "goes better" is accepted, remember to always consider the most effective synonym for it depending on register. Consider alternatives like "works better", "fits better", and "is more suitable". As Ludwig's examples and analysis suggest, understanding the nuanced communicative purpose helps optimize your writing by choosing the best option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

works better

This alternative focuses on functionality and effectiveness rather than general improvement.

improves

This is a concise and direct way to express enhancement or betterment.

fits better

This option emphasizes compatibility and suitability for a specific purpose.

is more suitable

This phrase highlights appropriateness and relevance in a given situation.

is an improvement

This alternative directly indicates a positive change or advancement.

is more effective

Focuses specifically on the increased efficacy of something.

turns out better

This suggests a positive outcome that may have been unexpected or uncertain.

is a better match

Highlights improved compatibility or alignment between two things.

progresses favorably

This option indicates steady and positive advancement over time.

develops positively

This highlights a positive evolution or unfolding of events.

FAQs

How can I use "goes better" in a sentence?

Use "goes better" to indicate that something is more suitable or effective compared to an alternative. For example, "This approach "goes better" with the client's needs."

What phrases are similar to "goes better"?

Alternatives include "works better", "fits better", or "is more suitable", depending on the specific context.

Is "goes better" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "goes better" can be perceived as informal in certain contexts. In professional or academic settings, consider using more formal alternatives like "is more effective" or "is a better fit".

What's the difference between "goes better" and "is better"?

"Goes better" implies a comparison and often suggests suitability or compatibility, while "is better" simply indicates a higher quality or more desirable state. For instance, "This wine "goes better" with the cheese" suggests a pairing, whereas "This wine "is better"" implies overall quality.