it has to be better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has to be better" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a necessity for improvement or a higher standard in a situation or outcome. Example: "After reviewing the project, I concluded that it has to be better if we want to meet our client's expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Many TV narratives -- some of them great -- have asked the question, "Can the irresponsible/addictive/ troubled man see the light and become somewhat less thoughtless, self-sabotaging and selfish?" "Rake" isn't terrible, but it has to be better than it is in its first hour to deserve a shot at answering that question, which has been answered so well on many other shows.

Huffington Post

It has to be better".

The New York Times - Arts

It has to be better than this.

The Guardian - Film

It has to be better than store-bought.

The New York Times

But still, it has to be better than this, surely?

Independent

And it has to be better than the old one, otherwise it is doomed.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

"Even if this was experimental," Ms. Chavers said, "in my mind it had to be better than just waiting for Genzyme to fix their issues".

The New York Times

My coach had warned me that things weren't going to be fair, and that it had to be better, not just as good.

The New York Times - Sports

Sure it was a long shot, but it had to be better than the purgatory of JDate.

Huffington Post

"So it essentially has to be better.

The New York Times - Food

But to defeat New England, it may have to be better than just pretty impressive.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has to be better", clearly define the benchmark or comparison point to ensure the statement's meaning is unambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "it has to be better" without specifying what 'it' is being compared to; this can lead to confusion and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has to be better" functions as an expression of necessity and comparison. It's used to indicate that something is required to improve or surpass a previous state, condition, or standard. Ludwig provides several examples where this phrase is used to emphasize the need for a higher level of quality or performance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it has to be better" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey the necessity for improvement or surpassing a certain standard. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is often used in News & Media. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to specify the point of comparison when using this phrase. Alternatives like "it must be superior" or "it needs to be improved" can be used depending on the context. Understanding these nuances helps in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it needs to be improved

Focuses on the necessity of enhancement, shifting from a comparative to a direct improvement imperative.

it must be superior

Emphasizes the need for higher quality, using a more formal tone and a direct comparison.

it should be of higher quality

Suggests a desired standard of quality that exceeds the current one, adding a nuance of expectation.

it is required to be enhanced

Highlights the mandatory aspect of improvement, using a formal and passive construction.

it is essential to be upgraded

Focuses on the crucial nature of upgrading something, indicating a significant change is necessary.

it is imperative to raise the bar

Emphasizes the urgent need to set higher standards, differing in its metaphorical expression.

it's got to be a step up

Uses a more colloquial expression to convey the need for advancement, implying progress from a lower level.

improvement is a must

Highlights the importance of the need of improvement as something required.

it warrants enhancement

States that something deserves and necessitates improvement, focusing on justification.

it calls for a higher standard

Indicates a need for increased quality, shifting the focus to the demand for better performance.

FAQs

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

Use "it has to be better" to express the necessity for improvement or exceeding a certain standard. For example, "The sequel is highly anticipated, so "it has to be better" than the original".

What's a more formal way to say "it has to be better"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "it must be superior" or "it should be of higher quality", depending on the context.

Which is correct: "it has to be better" or "it needs to be better"?

Both ""it has to be better"" and "it needs to be better" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different nuances. The former implies a stronger sense of obligation or requirement, while the latter suggests a necessity for improvement.

What does "it has to be better" imply?

"It has to be better" implies that the current state is not satisfactory and that a significant improvement is required or expected. The phrase often sets a higher standard or expectation for future performance.