in the better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the better" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is unclear when it could be used, as it lacks context and proper grammatical structure. Example: "We should focus on improving our performance in the better way possible." (Note: "in the better" should be replaced for clarity.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The more countries that join in, the better.

The New York Times

And the more work you put in, the better your performance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The deeper the knife goes in, the better you are doing your job.

The New Yorker

The more practical experience you have going in, the better.

WikiHow

Sometimes an untimely performance will do in the better team.

The New York Times - Sports

But two years on, who is in the better position?

The Guardian - Sport

The sooner he gets back in, the better".

The New York Times - Sports

"The quicker they come in, the better," Millen said.

The Guardian - Sport

Froome's certainly been in the better form this season.

The Guardian - Sport

Hull finished the regular season in the better form.

The Guardian - Sport

Leading lights in the Better Together campaign were astonished.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for correctness, replace the phrase "in the better" with alternatives like "in a better way" or "in the best way", which provide clearer and more grammatically sound expressions. Always consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate substitute.

Common error

Avoid using "in the better" as a general modifier when describing how something is done. It's often vague and grammatically awkward. Instead, opt for more precise and idiomatic expressions like "in a better condition", "in a better way", or "more effectively".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the better" functions as a prepositional phrase, often attempting to modify a noun or verb. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is frequently grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity. The examples provided by Ludwig show its use across various contexts, but with questionable grammatical validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

31%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "in the better" appears frequently in various contexts, Ludwig AI identifies it as often grammatically incorrect. It generally aims to express a superior state or manner but is better replaced with more precise and idiomatic alternatives like "in a better way" or "in improved condition". Though present in news, scientific, and general sources, the phrase should be used cautiously, especially in formal writing, to maintain clarity and grammatical correctness. Given its high frequency but questionable grammatical validity, writers should favor more standard and accurate expressions to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a better way

Replaces the phrase with a more grammatically sound construction, focusing on the manner of doing something.

in the best way

Emphasizes the optimal method, replacing "better" with "best" for clarity.

in improved condition

Focuses on the state of being improved, suitable when referring to health or condition.

in a superior position

Highlights a more advantageous situation, changing the focus from general quality to specific positioning.

in an enhanced state

Similar to 'improved condition' but broader, applying to various enhancements.

in a finer manner

Emphasizes the quality of the action or process, suggesting refinement.

in a more favorable light

Refers to a situation where something is seen more positively.

in a more skilled fashion

Focuses on the expertise involved, suitable for describing how something is done.

with greater proficiency

Highlights the higher level of skill or expertise.

in the upper echelon

Implies being among the best or highest-ranked, suitable for competitive contexts.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "in the better"?

The phrase "in the better" is rarely grammatically correct. Consider using phrases like "in a better way" or "in the best way" for clearer communication.

What are some common mistakes when using "in the better"?

A common mistake is using "in the better" as a general modifier. This can make your writing sound awkward and unclear. It's better to use more specific phrases like "in improved condition" or "more effectively".

What can I say instead of "in the better"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in a superior position", "in an enhanced state", or "with greater proficiency".

Is "in the better" grammatically correct?

Generally, no. The phrase "in the better" is usually grammatically incorrect. It's preferable to use phrases that are more grammatically sound and idiomatic, such as "in a better condition" or "in a more favorable light".