or still better

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "or still better" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest an even more favorable option or alternative in a comparison. Example: "You could choose the blue dress, or still better, opt for the red one that really complements your style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The man raised or modulated his voice, and his scarcely varying chords were monotonous or, still better, infinite.

The New Yorker

Standing, or still better lying, underneath Tuttle's construction, you get a seductive sense of light and freedom.

The Guardian - Arts

"Instead of bacon, pancetta or still better, guanciale; in place of powered egg yolks, fresh eggs; and for the cheese, pecorino Romano".

The New York Times - Food

Read Macbeth, for example, or still better, get someone to read it aloud to you; and I think I can promise you what people call a 'sensation'".

The Guardian - Books

"O.K. to climb into the sack with, but not to talk to — is that the idea?" One after the other, they crucifìed me, ordered me to get lost, or, still better, drop dead.

The New Yorker

This type of list invokes another: of movies, or, still better, of scenes or from movies that have been transformative to a way (and to my way) of seeing the world.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Sample sizes of 100,000 or more are still better.

Security Informatics

Is the stronger diversity-productivity relationship in naturally assembled communities driven more by critical functional traits, or would PD still better explain productivity?

Plosone

An alternative method, developed in recent years is to study the role or function, or better still, the contribution of social capital to health.

Health Economics Review

Make it "as culpable as or less culpable than" — or, better still, rephrase.

The New York Times

Or better still, he or she has heard them at conferences but doesn't know exactly what they mean.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "or still better" to clearly indicate a preferred alternative, enhancing clarity and guiding the reader toward a more optimal choice. It’s effective when you want to emphasize that the second option is superior to the first.

Common error

Avoid using "or still better" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your text sound repetitive or overly prescriptive. Consider varying your language with alternatives like "or even better" or "preferably" to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "or still better" functions as a conjunctive phrase, indicating a preference for a subsequent option over a previous one. It serves to introduce a more desirable or advantageous alternative. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "or still better" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a superior alternative, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not as common as other alternatives, such as "or even better", it provides a clear indication of preference and is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media and scientific writing. Ensure it is used judiciously to avoid repetition and consider the subtle nuances it adds to guide your reader effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

or even better

This alternative emphasizes the improvement of the suggested option.

or, even better still

This option adds emphasis to the preference, enhancing the suggestion.

or preferably

This alternative is a more direct way of expressing preference.

or what's even better

This alternative highlights the speaker's enthusiasm for the superior option.

or a superior alternative

This explicitly labels the second option as better than the first.

or ideally

This frames the second option as the most desirable.

or to improve upon that

This phrase introduces a superior option by directly indicating improvement.

or more appropriately

This alternative focuses on the suitability of the second option.

or to take it a step further

This alternative suggests advancing beyond the initial option with something better.

or on the brighter side

This alternative is used to suggest a more optimistic or favorable option.

FAQs

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

Use "or still better" to introduce a more desirable alternative to a previously mentioned option. For example, "You can choose the standard model, "or even better", opt for the premium version with enhanced features."

What phrases can I use instead of "or still better"?

Alternatives include "or even better", "preferably", or "ideally", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "or better" and "or still better"?

"Or better" simply indicates an improvement, while "or still better" emphasizes that the second option is significantly more advantageous or preferable. The addition of "still" adds extra emphasis to the preference.

When is it appropriate to use "or still better" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to guide the reader towards a distinctly superior choice among presented options. For instance, "Consider investing in renewable energy, "or ideally", implement a comprehensive sustainability plan."