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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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what's better

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What's better than Ben & Jerry's ice cream?

News & Media

Huffington Post

What's better?

"What's better than that?

News & Media

The New York Times

What's better than sex?

And what's better than that?

"You know what's better than dessert?

What's better than being a tireless champion?

News & Media

The Guardian

What's better than commercial-free Jim Nantz?

What's better than a Fendi bag?

What's better than winning a gold?

What's better than one Thai restaurant?

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the comparison is clear; follow the phrase with a specific 'than' clause if the benchmark is not already established in the previous sentence.

Common error

A common mistake is using "what's better" when you are referring to a very small, defined set of items. While "what's better" is broadly acceptable, "which is better" is technically more precise when comparing two specific items already mentioned.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.9/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what's better" functions as a contraction of an interrogative pronoun and a linking verb followed by a comparative adjective. In the vast majority of cases found in Ludwig, it serves as a rhetorical device to engage the reader by posing a question that the author intends to answer immediately with a superior option.

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Technology Reviews

25%

Lifestyle & Blogs

15%

Less common in

Legal Documents

2%

Scientific Research

2%

Technical Manuals

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what's better" is a powerful tool in English for creating engaging, persuasive, and conversational prose. Ludwig's data confirms that it is a staple of modern journalism, utilized by prestigious outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian to transition between ideas or to emphasize the merits of a new discovery. While it is grammatically perfect as a contraction, writers should be mindful of the distinction between "what" and "which" when a limited set of options is present. Overall, it remains one of the most effective ways to frame a value proposition or a rhetorical hook in both creative and professional writing.

FAQs

How to use "what's better" in a sentence?

You can use "what's better" to ask a direct question or to introduce a rhetorical point, such as "What's better than a free movie?" followed by the answer. Ludwig AI shows it is often used as a hook in journalistic writing.

Is it correct to say "what's better" or "which is better"?

Both are correct, but "which is better" is preferred for a specific choice between two items, while "what's better" is more open-ended.

What can I say instead of "what's better"?

Depending on the context, you can use "what's preferable", "what is more effective", or more formally, "what is superior".

Does "what's better" require a question mark?

Yes, when it starts a direct question like "What's better?", but it does not need one when it is part of a statement or a complex sentence like "I am not sure what's better."

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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.9/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: