like much better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like much better" is not considered correct in standard written English.
It is often used informally in spoken language to express a preference, but it is generally better to avoid it in formal writing. Example: "I like much better the way you handled that situation compared to last time."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And the QX4's unit is installed in place of a device I like much better, a six-disk in-dash changer for audio CD's.

The New York Times

She's working with a changed instrument, a voice that's no longer high and pearly, but (which I like much better) is lower and grainy.

The New York Times - Arts

His translations introduced the English to Jean Anouilh, a French dramatist whom they came to like much better than himself.With typical chivalry, Mr Fry always maintained he had enjoyed "Look Back in Anger".

The Economist

You have friends you like much better: Our time is all too limited.

Huffington Post

They may not feel enough urgency about advocating changes in policy that are needed there -- like much better protection for Iraqi security forces, which remain badly under-armored, and a jobs program to directly target the high unemployment rate.

The Washington Post

And like much better funded competitors Trussle and Habito, the startup's tech offered to monitor the market to ensure you remain on the most competitive rate and that you remortgage in time so as not to slip onto a more expensive standard variable rate.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Jobs targeted a large existing market and invented a product that consumers liked much better than the ones incumbents were offering.

Forbes

If a lien is attached due to a creditor's lawsuit, the attachment lien is deemed inchoate (a word Scalia liked much better) until it's perfected by a final judgment.

Forbes

I saw 'Twilight' and I went, 'Oh, I like this guy,' and I went to watch all his other movies and I like them much better".

Los Angeles Times

She made the lives of everyone who knew her - even people she didn't like much -- better.

Huffington Post

"I like them much better".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "prefer significantly" or "find more appealing" to enhance clarity and sophistication. This avoids the potential ambiguity of "much better" modifying "like".

Common error

Avoid using "like much better" in academic papers or business reports. Opt for alternatives that convey a stronger sense of professionalism and grammatical precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like much better" functions as a comparative expression of preference. It indicates that one option is favored over another. For instance, Ludwig's examples show people expressing a preference for one product, version, or situation over another. This is consistent with the general use of comparative adjectives and adverbs to express degrees of difference.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "like much better" is a common way to express a preference, but it's advisable to use it with caution in formal contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it's not considered incorrect but suggests better alternatives may exist for more polished writing. While prevalent in news and media sources, opting for alternatives such as "prefer significantly" or "find more appealing" can enhance clarity and sophistication in academic or business settings. Ultimately, while widely understood, understanding its nuances can significantly improve your writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prefer significantly

Emphasizes a stronger preference with the adverb "significantly".

favor considerably

Uses "favor" for a more formal tone and "considerably" to highlight the difference in preference.

enjoy far more

Replaces "like" with "enjoy" and uses "far more" for greater emphasis.

appreciate much more

Substitutes "like" with "appreciate", suggesting a deeper level of preference.

find more appealing

Focuses on the subjective attractiveness, replacing "like" with "find more appealing".

am more partial to

A more idiomatic expression to indicate a preference.

am inclined to prefer

A formal and somewhat tentative way of expressing preference.

lean towards

Suggests a slight preference, indicating a tendency to favor one option over another.

have a greater liking for

A more verbose alternative that explicitly mentions the act of liking.

value higher

Focuses on the relative value or importance assigned to something.

FAQs

Is "like much better" grammatically correct?

While commonly used in spoken English, "like much better" can sound awkward in formal writing. Consider using alternatives like "prefer significantly" or "find more appealing" for a more polished tone.

What's a more formal way to say "like much better"?

For formal contexts, phrases such as "favor considerably", "appreciate much more", or "am more partial to" are suitable alternatives.

How can I emphasize my preference more strongly than saying "like much better"?

To emphasize your preference, use phrases like "enjoy far more" or "prefer significantly". These alternatives add impact to your statement.

What can I say instead of "like much better" in casual conversation?

In casual settings, "like it a lot more" or "prefer it a bunch" work well. However, "like much better" is itself generally acceptable in informal conversation.