is better though

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is better though' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to contrast two ideas or to suggest that one option is better than another. For example: "Going to the beach is fun, going to the mountains is better though."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It is better, though, to save the tartar sauce for toasted rounds of a baguette, topped with a fried oyster, another of the great oyster canapes.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is better though!

BBC

I hope this one is better though, as I'd like to give it a shot with Gears of War.

TechCrunch

What is better, though, is "Second Sight".

The New York Times - Arts

I still think the first version is better, though.

The Guardian - Music

Yes, Acela is better, though by international standards it remains a joke.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The mango would have been better, though, if it had been peeled.

The New York Times

(The performance was better, though, than the interminable introduction-eulogy given by Russell Brand and the rambling one by Tony Bennett).

The New York Times

The economy was better though, allowing some private philanthropies to take up some of the slack.

Science Magazine

It would be better, though, if parents of young and teenaged children to maintain vigilance regarding their childrens' Internet habits.

Huffington Post

Economic conditions are better, though.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is better though" to introduce a contrasting element or qualification to a preceding statement. It's effective for nuanced comparisons.

Common error

Avoid using "is better though" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated conjunctions like 'however', 'nevertheless', or 'while' for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is better though" functions as a concessive conjunction, acknowledging a prior point while introducing a preference or advantage. It typically follows a statement that might present a different perspective, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis and examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is better though" serves as a versatile tool for expressing qualified preferences. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral, it may be perceived as slightly informal in highly formal writing, where alternatives like "however" or "nevertheless" might be more suitable. The phrase functions as a concessive conjunction, allowing for nuanced comparisons and judgements by acknowledging prior points while highlighting a preference or advantage. Pay attention to your audience when you decide to write "is better though".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though preferable

Focuses on preference, omitting the explicit comparison.

although superior

Highlights the superiority while conceding a point.

while advantageous

Emphasizes the advantage, using a more formal tone.

yet improved

Suggests enhancement or progress, with a touch of reservation.

but more desirable

Underscores the desirability aspect of the preference.

still a step up

Highlights the improved nature from a particular state.

nonetheless enhanced

A more sophisticated way of indicating improvement despite something.

even so, it's upgraded

Adds emphasis on the upgrade aspect.

however, it's an improvement

Highlights the upgrade while making a consession.

in spite of that, it's enhanced

Draws attention to the aspect that something is enhanced and that the speaker is aware about the original consession.

FAQs

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

You can use "is better though" to express that something is superior in some way, even if it has some drawbacks. For example, "The new software is more complex, it "is better though" because it offers more features."

What are some alternatives to "is better though"?

Alternatives include "although superior", "yet improved", or "though preferable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "is better though"?

Yes, "is better though" is grammatically correct. However, it is more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, you might choose a more sophisticated construction.

What's the difference between "is better though" and "is better, however"?

"Is better though" is more casual than "is better, however". The latter is more appropriate for formal writing. The comma before 'however' also adds a slight pause, which can affect the rhythm of the sentence.