is that better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Is that better" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a polite way of asking if something is more satisfactory. For example, if you ask someone for advice, they could respond by saying "How about if you do this instead?" followed by "Is that better?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"My conviction is that better days are ahead".

The New York Times

The obvious conclusion is that better treatments are needed.

The New York Times - Health

Why is that better than an agency picture?

The Guardian - Arts

But the fact is that better equipment has everyone skiing and riding faster and faster.

The New York Times - Sports

Where is that better America that President Obama calls upon us to heed?

The New York Times

Nowhere is that better demonstrated than in this cleanly written, utterly reliable, delicious book.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The first is that better use of resources in the context of rising demand is welcome.

The Guardian

A result, generally, is that better drivers pay less and worse drivers pay more.

The New York Times

But is that better than having board members who would be hostile to the federal workforce?

The Washington Post

The main conclusion drawn from this study is that better surface finish is obtained by applying cooled lubricant.

Procedia Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, what is clear, he says, is that better-qualified staff do improve quality of care.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Is that better" to politely check if a modification or suggestion has met the other person's expectations or requirements.

Common error

Avoid using "Is that better" excessively in conversations, as it can sound repetitive or even passive-aggressive. Try to vary your language with alternatives like "Does this work for you?" or "How does this look now?".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Is that better" functions primarily as an interrogative expression used to seek confirmation about whether a change or adjustment has resulted in an improvement or is more satisfactory. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Is that better" serves as a common and versatile way to inquire about whether a change or adjustment has led to an improvement. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. It is frequently encountered in news and media, science, and academic contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider alternative expressions to maintain a natural conversational tone. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly refers to a specific modification, and be prepared to elaborate on the reasons for seeking feedback. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively use "Is that better" to confirm positive changes and meet audience expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Is this an improvement?

Focuses on whether a change has resulted in a positive outcome.

Does that seem better?

Introduces an element of subjectivity or personal opinion.

Is it better now?

Implies that a prior state was not satisfactory.

Is this preferable?

Directly asks about a preference between two options.

Are things better now?

Asks about the overall state or situation.

Do you like this better?

Inquires about someone's personal liking for an option.

Is that more suitable?

Focuses on the appropriateness of something for a specific purpose.

Is this more to your liking?

Asks if something better suits someone's taste or preference.

Is the current situation better?

Compares the current state to a previous one.

Has it improved?

Directly asks if an improvement has been made.

FAQs

How can I use "Is that better" in a sentence?

You can use "Is that better" to ask if a change or suggestion is an improvement, such as, "I adjusted the volume, "is that better"?" or "I reworded the email, "is that better" now?"

What can I say instead of "Is that better"?

You can use alternatives like "Is this an improvement?", "Does that seem better?", or "Is it better now?" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Is that better?" or "Is it better?"

Both "Is that better?" and "Is it better?" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different uses. "Is that better?" typically refers to a specific change that was just made. "Is it better?" is more general and can refer to an overall state or condition.

What's the difference between "Is that better?" and "Do you like this better?"

"Is that better?" focuses on whether something has objectively improved. "Do you like this better?" asks for a personal preference. For instance, "I changed the font; "is that better"?" versus "I found two different shirts, "do you like this better"?"