that would be better

USAGE SUMMARY

"that would be better" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that an alternative action or choice could improve the situation. For example, "I think I should take a break, that would be better for my productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's time that would be better spent on their GCSEs".

The Guardian

If they share the medal, that would be better".

The New York Times - Sports

Is there one type of telescope that would be better than another for photographing?

Cornell University

The government continues to own and mismanage utilities that would be better off private.

The Economist

There is no such thing as a problem that would be better off left alone.

The New Yorker

Every minute that they stay in business, they divert capital that would be better invested elsewhere.

The New Yorker

The only thing that would be better is if there was only one nomination".

The New York Times

But it is a dish that would be better with less meat.

The New York Times

Here's eight of the most commonly said things that would be better left unsaid.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I can't think of anything that would be better for his public image.

The Guardian

"There are a lot of chains that would be better off going bankrupt," Goldin said.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that would be better" to politely suggest an alternative course of action or a more efficient solution to a problem. Ensure the context clearly indicates what the 'that' refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "that would be better" without a clear antecedent. Make sure the 'that' refers to a specific idea or action, otherwise the sentence becomes vague and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that would be better" functions as a modal expression of preference or suggestion. It indicates that a particular action, situation, or option is considered more desirable or advantageous than another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that would be better" is a versatile and commonly used expression to suggest a preferable alternative. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Its frequent appearance in news and media, as well as academic contexts, underscores its widespread acceptance and utility. Remember to ensure clarity in your writing by explicitly referencing what "that" refers to. While numerous alternatives exist to fine-tune the expression for different contexts and nuances, the core function remains the same: a polite suggestion for improvement or a better course of action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that would be the better option

Explicitly states the alternative as the superior choice.

that would be preferable

Replaces "better" with "preferable", indicating a stronger sense of choice.

that would be an improvement

Focuses on the aspect of enhancement or making something superior.

that would be more suitable

Emphasizes appropriateness for a particular situation or purpose.

that would be advantageous

Highlights the benefits or positive outcomes of the alternative.

that would be wiser

Suggests a more sensible or prudent course of action.

it would be better if

Introduces a conditional clause, specifying a condition for the improvement.

that would be a step forward

Implies progress or advancement towards a desired goal.

that would be a welcome change

Expresses positive anticipation of the alternative.

that would be a smart move

Highlights the strategic or intelligent nature of the choice.

FAQs

How can I use "that would be better" in a sentence?

Use "that would be better" to suggest an improvement or a more suitable option. For example, "Instead of sending individual emails, setting up a group chat "that would be better" for coordinating the project".

What are some alternatives to "that would be better"?

You can use alternatives like "that would be preferable", "that would be an improvement", or "that would be more suitable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "that would be better" formal or informal?

"That would be better" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, a more precise or elaborate alternative might be more appropriate.

Can "that would be better" be used to express a strong preference?

While "that would be better" indicates a preference, it might not be strong enough for all situations. For a stronger preference, consider using phrases like "that would be ideal" or "that would be the best option".