has bested

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has bested" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has defeated or surpassed someone else in a competition or challenge. Example: "In the final match, she has bested her opponent, securing the championship title."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But photography has bested the doubters.

The Economist

Bradley so far has bested Gore largely on style points.

The New York Times - Magazine

On the philanthropy front his "partner in crime," as he calls Gates, has bested him again.

The New York Times - Books

At 35 pounds, Tommy has bested his nearest British rival by half a stone.

The Guardian

If by then Mr Sharon has bested his own settler movement, so much the better for peace.

The Economist

If he persuades even half the country that he has bested Obama, he could well enjoy a significant bounce.

The New Yorker

Mr. Rabbani's words stood in sharp contest to those of one of the men who has bested him, for now.

The New York Times

This video game has bested Nietzsche and trumped Sarte, all within the confines of its tiny plastic cartridge.

The New Yorker

The firm rejected InBev's original offer of $46 billion as financially inadequate.NBC has bested Time Warner in a battle for the Weather Channel.

The Economist

Before 2012, Marvin Harrison's 1,566 receiving yards in 2002 were the most by any N.F.L. receiver through 14 team games; Johnson has bested that by 101 yards.

The New York Times

The stuntwoman Zoe Bell plays a fighter who has bested all comers; Rachel Nichols is among those she beats to a pulp.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has bested" to clearly indicate that someone or something has outperformed or won against a competitor or a previous record. Ensure the context provides a clear understanding of what was surpassed.

Common error

Avoid using "has bested" when the context lacks a clear comparison. Ensure there is an identifiable competitor or benchmark to provide relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has bested" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect tense. It indicates an action completed at a time before the present, emphasizing the result of the action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and shows an action of outperforming someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has bested" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies outperforming or surpassing a competitor or benchmark. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. Predominantly found in news and business contexts, it serves to highlight achievements and victories. While neutral in tone, writers should ensure a clear context for comparison. Alternatives such as "has defeated" and "has surpassed" offer nuanced variations, catering to diverse communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has defeated

Direct synonym, emphasizing the act of winning against an opponent.

has surpassed

Focuses on exceeding a limit or standard, rather than direct competition.

has outdone

Highlights achieving something to a greater degree than another.

has overcome

Stresses the act of conquering a challenge or obstacle.

has triumphed over

Emphasizes a significant victory after a struggle.

has prevailed against

Suggests a more enduring victory, often against difficult odds.

has conquered

Implies a complete and decisive victory.

has eclipsed

Indicates overshadowing or diminishing the achievements of another.

has outstripped

Highlights moving ahead or progressing faster than another.

has topped

Focuses on reaching a higher level or score.

FAQs

What does "has bested" mean?

The phrase "has bested" means that someone or something has outperformed, surpassed, or defeated another in a specific context. It implies a clear win or exceeding a certain benchmark.

How can I use "has bested" in a sentence?

You can use "has bested" to indicate that someone has won against a competitor: "In the final round, she "has defeated" her opponent." It can also mean surpassing a record or expectation.

What are some alternatives to "has bested"?

Some alternatives to "has bested" include "has defeated", "has surpassed", "has outdone", or "has overcome". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "has bested" formal or informal?

The phrase "has bested" is generally considered neutral in tone and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer "has surpassed" or "has outdone" depending on the context.