or better still

USAGE SUMMARY

"or better still" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to suggest an alternative or improvement to a previous statement. You can use it in a sentence like this: "I could either go to the store for milk, or better still, ask my neighbor if they have any to spare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Or, better still, outer space.

Independent

Or better still, paid professionals.

The New York Times

Or, better still, with Watson?

Independent

Or – better still – war.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Or, better still, get rid of them.

Independent

Or, better still, simplify the sentence.

The New York Times

Or, better still, Michael Palin.

The Guardian

Or, better still, a lot.

The Guardian - Sport

Or, better still, Great Expectations?

The Guardian - Books

Or better still, transform it.

The Guardian - Arts

Or better still, create your own.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "or better still", ensure the second option truly represents an improvement over the first to maintain credibility and logical flow.

Common error

Avoid using "or better still" in situations where the alternative isn't clearly superior or relevant. This can create confusion or weaken your argument, instead, use a simple "or" to just add a choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "or better still" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two alternatives while emphasizing that the second option is more desirable or advantageous. Ludwig examples show its role in introducing improved suggestions or preferred actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "or better still" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces a preferred alternative. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While versatile, it's important to ensure the suggested alternative truly represents an improvement to maintain clarity and impact. Consider its slightly formal tone and explore alternatives like "or even better" for more casual contexts. Its widespread presence in sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its reliability and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

or even better

Emphasizes the improved nature of the alternative.

or what's even better

Adds emphasis to the improvement.

or preferably

Highlights the preferred choice.

or ideally

Suggests the most favorable situation.

or, to improve upon that

Explicitly builds on the previous idea.

or to put it better

Indicates a clearer or more accurate way to express something.

or more appropriately

Suggests a more fitting option.

or, in an ideal world

Presents an unrealistic but better outcome.

or, on second thought

Introduces a better idea after initial consideration.

alternatively

Provides another option, possibly more appealing.

FAQs

How can I use "or better still" in a sentence?

Use "or better still" to introduce a preferable alternative to something you've already mentioned. For instance, "You could take the bus, "or better still", you could borrow my car".

What's a more modern way to say "or better still"?

While "or better still" is perfectly acceptable, you might opt for alternatives like "or even better", "or preferably", or simply "alternatively" to sound more contemporary.

When should I use "or better still" instead of just "or"?

Use "or better still" when the second option is genuinely superior or more advantageous than the first. If the options are merely different without a clear preference, stick with a simple "or".

Is "or better still" formal or informal?

The phrase "or better still" leans towards the slightly formal side. In very casual contexts, consider using something like "or even better" for a more relaxed tone.