to better are

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to better are" is not correct and usable in written English.
It appears to be a grammatical error and does not convey a clear meaning in standard English. Example: "To better are the chances of success if we work together." (This sentence is incorrect.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Laziness, lack of drive and failure to aspire to better are the handcuffs that bind people into those positions.

Huffington Post

Elsewhere, instead of trying to better Are You Being Served? and Porridge, the BBC just made new versions.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

You want to do better, be better, become better.

The Guardian - Opinion

To become better is a lie.

Vice

Better was to follow.

The Guardian - Sport

Even better was to follow.

The Guardian - Sport

Better is to go Bluetooth.

The Guardian - Tech

Better was to come.

BBC

Better was yet to come.

The New Yorker

Which works better, is unclear to me.

WikiHow

Better to be miserable!

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to express improvement, use established phrases like "to improve", "to enhance", or "to get better" rather than the ungrammatical "to better are".

Common error

Avoid combining "to better" with forms of "to be" (is, are, was, were) as it typically results in ungrammatical sentences. Opt for direct action verbs like "improve", "enhance", or "refine" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to better are" does not have a grammatical function in standard English. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is considered a grammatical error. The correct usage involves using "to better" followed by a verb to indicate improvement.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to better are" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in both written and spoken English. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase does not conform to standard English grammar rules. It's essential to use grammatically correct alternatives like "to improve" or "to enhance" to effectively convey the intended meaning of improvement or betterment. Correct usage ensures clarity and credibility in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to improve

Replaces the entire phrase with a more direct and grammatically sound verb indicating enhancement.

to enhance

Similar to 'to improve', this offers a slightly more formal alternative for indicating betterment.

to get better

Indicates a process of improvement, often used in contexts of health or skill.

to become better

Emphasizes a transformation towards an improved state.

to do better

Focuses on performing actions at a higher standard.

to be better

Simple and direct, indicating a desired state of improvement.

for the better

Indicates that changes are being made with the intention of positive results.

to make better

Focuses on the act of improving something.

to ameliorate

A more formal term for making something better, often used in academic or professional contexts.

to refine

Suggests making subtle improvements to something already good.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "to better" in a sentence?

The phrase "to better" functions as an infinitive meaning "to improve". It should be followed by a verb or noun that you intend to improve, such as "to better understand" or "to better one's skills". Avoid using it with forms of "to be" like "are".

What are some alternatives to "to better are"?

Since "to better are" is grammatically incorrect, use alternatives like "to improve", "to enhance", or "to get better" depending on the context.

Is it ever correct to say "to better is" or "to better was"?

No, it is not grammatically correct to say "to better is" or "to better was". These phrases do not follow standard English grammar rules. Use alternative phrasing to convey the intended meaning, such as "improving is" or "bettering was".

How can I avoid mistakes when using "to better" in my writing?

Double-check that "to better" is followed by a verb or noun indicating what you are improving. Avoid using it with forms of "to be". If you're unsure, simpler alternatives like "to improve" are often clearer and more direct.