he can better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he can better" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be an attempt to express that he can improve or do something in a superior way, but it lacks clarity and proper structure. Example: "He can better understand the situation if he takes the time to listen."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Sports

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

He can better think".

The New York Times

He can better be described as a modernizer.

The New York Times

Gay has long maintained that he can better Bolt.

The New York Times - Sports

He can, better than anyone I know, just talk extemporaneously.

The New Yorker

If he can better minimize damage, Chamberlain can be an asset once more.

The New York Times - Sports

"People are going to say it's a good outing but we know that he can better," Girardi said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

He can do better.

The New York Times

Plus, he can shoot better than Hammond".

The New York Times - Sports

"We are confident he can do better".

The New Yorker

I think he can play better.

Independent

"He [Keane] knows he can play better.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for standard English phrasing. Use alternatives like "he can improve" or "he can do better" for clarity and correctness.

Common error

Don't use the construction "he can better" in formal writing. Although sometimes found in informal contexts, it's not grammatically sound. Always replace it with a more standard expression for better communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he can better" functions as a verb phrase attempting to express the ability to improve or enhance something. However, according to Ludwig, this construction is grammatically incorrect in standard English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Sports

24%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "he can better" is found in various sources, it is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, advising against its use in formal writing. For clearer and more acceptable alternatives, consider using phrases like "he can improve", "he can do better", or "he is able to improve". These options effectively convey the intended meaning of improvement or enhanced capability while adhering to established grammatical norms. It's crucial to prioritize correctness and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he can improve

Replaces "better" with the verb "improve", providing a more direct expression of enhancing skills or abilities.

he can do better

Uses the phrase "do better", which is a common and easily understandable idiom for improvement.

he is able to improve

Adds "is able to" for emphasis, while still using the verb "improve".

he can perform better

Focuses on performance specifically, suggesting enhanced efficiency or effectiveness.

he is capable of improving

Emphasizes capability, indicating he possesses the necessary qualities to get better.

he can more effectively

Replaces "better" with "more effectively", which is a more formal and precise term.

he can more efficiently

Emphasizes efficiency as the area of improvement.

he can surpass

Suggests exceeding a certain level or achievement, implying advancement.

he can exceed

Similar to "surpass", focusing on going beyond expectations.

he can upgrade

Uses a more modern term suggesting improvement through updates or enhancements.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he can better" to make it grammatically correct?

Instead of "he can better", you can use phrases such as "he can improve", "he can do better", or "he is able to improve". These alternatives provide clarity and grammatical correctness.

Is "he can better" considered proper English?

No, "he can better" is not considered proper English. It's an unusual construction that doesn't follow standard grammatical rules. Therefore, it's best to avoid it in formal writing and speech.

What's a more formal alternative to "he can better"?

A more formal alternative to "he can better" would be "he can improve" or "he is able to improve". These options are more precise and suitable for professional contexts.

How does "he can improve" differ in meaning from "he can better"?

While the intended meaning might be similar, "he can improve" is grammatically correct and widely accepted, whereas "he can better" is non-standard. The former clearly communicates the idea of making progress or becoming more proficient.