it can be better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be better" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used when discussing something that has room for improvement or could be improved in some way. Example: "Overall, the presentation was good, but I think it can be better if we add more visual aids."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it has gradually dawned on this cautious industry that risk management is its business and that it can be better at it than Wall Street has been.

Forbes

A lower body temperature might produce a more habitable environment for foreign bodies, so it can be better to let the fever run its course.[18].[18]

WikiHow

"It can be better," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

But it can be better to go last.

The Economist

It is over 80% now, it can be better".

The Guardian - Business

(It can be better described as "he is who he was").

The New York Times

With that kind of limited profitability, it can be better to be small.

The Economist

It can be better to suggest something than to say it straight out.

The New York Times - Arts

It can be better," Ashe, "Your goal is to make it … stronger and better," Ashe said.

The Washington Post

Although interacting with people through technology is not as good as actually being with them, sometimes it can be better.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For a perfectionist, like Mr. Versace, the picture is never finished as long as it can be better.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can be better", be specific about what aspect needs improvement to provide constructive feedback. For example, instead of saying "The design can be better", specify "The color palette in the design can be better to enhance readability."

Common error

Avoid using "it can be better" as a vague critique without providing concrete suggestions for improvement. Vague feedback can be demotivating and unhelpful. Always accompany the statement with actionable insights.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be better" functions as a modal phrase used to express possibility and suggest the potential for improvement. It combines a pronoun, a modal verb, and a comparative adjective to convey that something is not at its optimal state and has the capacity to be enhanced. Ludwig provides many examples from news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it can be better" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to suggest potential improvements. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is versatile and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. To use it effectively, ensure you provide specific feedback and actionable suggestions, avoiding vague criticisms. While the expression is generally neutral in tone, always consider your audience and the context to deliver your feedback constructively. Remember, the goal is to encourage progress and inspire enhancement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could be improved

Focuses on the possibility of making something superior.

it has room for improvement

Highlights that there is space or potential for enhancement.

it could be of higher quality

Emphasizes the potential for achieving a better standard.

there's potential for it to be better

Shifts the emphasis to the existing potential.

it is capable of improvement

Highlights its ability to become better.

it needs enhancement

Directly points out the need for further development.

it warrants further development

Suggests the importance of improving it.

it leaves something to be desired

Indirectly implies that it is not entirely satisfactory.

it's not as good as it could be

Highlights the discrepancy between current state and potential state.

it can be elevated

Suggests the potential for raising its status or quality.

FAQs

How can I use "it can be better" in a sentence?

Use "it can be better" to suggest improvements or potential enhancements. For example, "The presentation was informative, but "it can be better" with more visual aids."

What phrases are similar to "it can be better"?

You can use phrases like "it could be improved", "it has room for improvement", or "it could be of higher quality" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to say "it can be better"?

While generally acceptable, consider the context and audience. Providing specific feedback along with "it can be better" is more constructive than a vague statement. Consider the other person's feeling before speaking.

When should I avoid using "it can be better"?

Avoid using "it can be better" if you cannot provide constructive criticism or specific suggestions. Instead of saying "it can be better" without any explanation, consider focusing on the positive aspects first and then offering specific areas for improvement.