perform better than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perform better than" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something performing at a higher level than someone or something else. For example, "Jimmy has been practicing his juggling skills every day and has managed to perform better than the other contestants in the talent show."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps you perform better than them?

The Guardian - Money

"Stocks perform better than houses over time.

The New York Times

Some will perform better than others.

The Guardian - Money

"Economical runners perform better than less-economical runners.

The New York Times

Comprehensives have improved so much, he argues, that many now perform better than grammars.

The Guardian

We already know that mixed-gender teams perform better than single-gender teams.

The Guardian

While they're all run the same, Waber says, some perform better than others.

The Guardian

The better question: Why do some schools — or types of schools — perform better than others?

The New Yorker

Mr. Steinberg said he expected the economy to perform better than the Fed's forecast.

The New York Times

It, too, has discovered that simple, real-life images perform better than professional-looking photoshoots.

The Guardian

For years, the data confirmed the theory that small funds perform better than large ones.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "perform better than", ensure you clearly define the criteria for 'better' to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "This engine performs better than the previous model in fuel efficiency."

Common error

Avoid using "perform better than" without specifying what aspect of performance is being compared. Saying "This performs better" lacks context and leaves the reader wondering what is improved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perform better than" functions as a comparative construction, indicating that one subject exhibits a superior level of performance compared to another. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, supporting its function as a standard means of expressing relative performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perform better than" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative phrase that indicates superiority in performance. Ludwig's analysis, drawing from a wealth of examples, reveals that it's employed across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While generally neutral in register, clarity is enhanced by specifying the criteria for 'better' when using this phrase. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this phrase and its broad applicability in both written and spoken English. Related phrases like "outperform" and "surpass" offer alternative ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outperform

Single word, stronger emphasis on exceeding expectations.

surpass

Formal term, suggests exceeding a limit or boundary.

excel over

Emphasizes superiority in a specific area.

do a better job than

More informal and direct way of saying the same thing.

exceed the performance of

More formal, emphasizes exceeding a standard.

prove superior to

Emphasizes demonstrating higher quality or ability.

show improvement over

Highlights the act of getting better over time.

better

Simpler, more concise; omits the explicit act of performing.

be more effective than

Focuses on effectiveness rather than overall performance.

top

Short and informal, meaning to be at the highest level.

FAQs

How can I use "perform better than" in a sentence?

Use "perform better than" to compare the effectiveness or quality of one thing relative to another. For instance, "The new software performs better than the old system in terms of speed and stability."

What is a more formal way to say "perform better than"?

More formal alternatives include "outperform", "surpass", or "exceed the performance of". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to specify what "better" means when using "perform better than"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the criteria for 'better' enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This phone performs better than that one", say "This phone performs better than that one in battery life and camera quality."

What's the difference between "perform better than" and "do better than"?

"Perform better than" is generally more formal and often used in technical or professional contexts, while "do better than" is more informal and suitable for everyday conversation. Both convey the same basic meaning of superiority.