higher is better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "higher is better" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are comparing values or metrics, indicating that an increase in a particular measurement is desirable. Example: "In this study, we found that higher is better when it comes to customer satisfaction scores."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"We thought that probably higher is better," he said.

The New York Times - Health

"Higher is better in almost all cases for evacuation purposes," she said.

The New York Times - Travel

While many stores reckon eye-level is the top spot, some think a little higher is better.

The Economist

(A standard sales data point for such fans is loudness, measured in "sones" — usually a low rating is considered desirable, but higher is better for your needs. Google it).

The New York Times

In 2014, a study of more than a million online restaurant reviews, on sites including Foursquare, GrubHub, and TripAdvisor, found that the ratings were influenced by a number of "exogenous" factors, unrelated to food quality — among them menu prices (higher is better) and the weather on the day the reviews were written (worse is worse).

The New Yorker

Mr. Ferriss packs himself in ice (cooler core temperatures send you to sleep faster), buys an REM sleep monitor to tweak his REM-sleep-to-total-sleep ratio (higher is better) and tests the polyphasic sleep habits of super-programmers in Silicon Valley.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

This is a metric that like keyword rankings, doesn't necessarily translate to higher being better.

Huffington Post

While Mount Everest, 29,028 feet high, is better known, K2 is considered more hazardous.

The New York Times

The high was better than anything, even sex.

The New York Times - Health

I never used a net, and was rarely bitten; a strong fan set at high was better than any repellent.

The New York Times - Science

Retailers whose sales per employee are high are better able to withstand these cost pressures.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "higher is better", ensure the context clearly defines what "higher" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "higher is better" as a blanket statement without considering potential drawbacks or limitations. Some contexts require balance, where excessively high values can be detrimental.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "higher is better" functions as a comparative statement indicating a preference for a greater quantity or a superior quality. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from scientific studies to everyday scenarios, where an increase in a particular attribute is deemed favorable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "higher is better" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates a preference for greater quantity or superior quality. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts, including science, news, and business. However, it is essential to use the phrase judiciously, considering that it may not universally apply, as there can be scenarios where excessively high values are not desirable. Remember, according to Ludwig, that clarity in defining "higher" is key to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more is preferable

Focuses on preference rather than direct comparison.

greater is advantageous

Emphasizes the benefit of having a larger quantity or a higher degree of something.

superior is favored

Highlights the preference for something of better quality.

a greater amount is desirable

Stresses the wish for more of something, rather than a direct comparison.

an increase is welcome

Indicates that a rise or growth is appreciated.

it's better to have more

Highlights the advantage of having more.

a larger quantity is optimal

Emphasizes that the best scenario involves a greater quantity.

opt for the greater value

Focuses on choosing the higher value.

choose the higher number

Implies a choice or decision based on numerical value.

the more the merrier

Informal idiom expressing that a greater number of people or things is more enjoyable.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "higher is better"?

Use "higher is better" when discussing metrics or qualities where an increase consistently leads to a more desirable outcome. For example, in discussions on test scores or efficiency ratings, "higher is better" is applicable.

What are some alternatives to saying "higher is better"?

You can use alternatives such as "more is preferable", "greater is advantageous", or "superior is favored" depending on the specific context.

Is it always true that "higher is better"?

No, "higher is better" is not universally true. There are scenarios where excessively high values can be detrimental. For example, very high blood pressure is not better; a balanced level is preferable. Always consider the specific context.

How can I use "higher is better" in a sentence?

You can use "higher is better" in a sentence like this: "In terms of website loading speed, "higher is better", as faster loading times improve user experience."