work better than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work better than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing the effectiveness or performance of one thing in relation to another. Example: "This new software works better than the previous version, improving our productivity significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Sometimes they work better than others.

The New Yorker

Some back-formations work better than others.

The New York Times

Pickle spheres work better than slices.

The New York Times - Travel

Free samples usually work better than this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expertly threaded brows work better than Botox.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some quips work better than others.

The New York Times - Tech

A. They should work better than your conventional nonfamily members.

The New York Times

"Twos always work better than threes," she liked to say.

The Economist

"It really does work better than other soup spoons.

The New York Times - Arts

Does it work better than other kinds of therapy?

The New York Times - Science

"The chairs work better than a wall," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two or more options, ensure the context clearly identifies what the alternatives are so that the comparison is meaningful. For instance, instead of just saying "This works better," specify "This strategy works better than the previous one in reducing costs."

Common error

Avoid using "work better than" without providing specific metrics or reasons for the claim. Simply stating something "works better" without context can weaken your argument and leave the reader questioning the basis of your assertion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work better than" functions as a comparative, indicating that one option, method, or thing is more effective or successful than another. It sets up a relationship where one item surpasses another in terms of performance or results, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

30%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "work better than" is a versatile and frequently used comparative expression in English. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It serves to compare the effectiveness of different options, and while generally neutral in tone, it benefits from clear context to specify the basis for comparison. Common usage spans across news media, wikis, and scientific content, making it a valuable tool for clear and persuasive communication. Remember to avoid oversimplification and provide specific details when using this phrase to strengthen your arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

function more effectively than

Replaces "work" with a more formal synonym and "better" with a synonym emphasizing effectiveness.

perform more efficiently than

Substitutes "work" with "perform" to highlight action, and "better" with "more efficiently" to focus on optimized results.

operate at a higher standard than

Uses a more formal structure to suggest a superior level of operation or functionality.

excel compared to

Replaces "work better" with "excel" to denote outstanding performance, while retaining the comparative aspect.

outperform relative to

Substitutes "work better" with "outperform" to explicitly convey exceeding another's performance.

prove more advantageous than

Focuses on the beneficial aspects of something working better, highlighting advantages.

offer a superior outcome to

Emphasizes the result of working better, focusing on a superior outcome.

show improved results over

Highlights the improved nature of the work compared to something else.

yield greater success than

Focuses on the successful outcome of working better, suggesting more significant achievements.

deliver a higher caliber than

Indicates a better quality of work, focusing on a higher standard of delivery.

FAQs

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

Use "work better than" to compare the effectiveness of two or more things. For example, "This new software "works better than" the old one because it's faster and more reliable."

What are some alternatives to "work better than"?

You can use alternatives like "perform more efficiently than", "function more effectively than", or "outperform" depending on the context. These alternatives provide different nuances while still conveying a comparative advantage.

Is it always necessary to specify what something "works better than"?

Yes, for clarity and precision, it's best to specify what you are comparing. Saying "This solution "works better than" the previous approach" is more informative than simply saying "This solution works better."

What's the difference between "work better than" and "work well"?

"Work better than" implies a comparison between two or more options, while "work well" simply indicates that something functions effectively on its own. For example, "This strategy "works better than" our old one", versus "This strategy "works well" in the current market conditions".