works better than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "works better than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the effectiveness of two or more things, indicating that one performs more effectively than another. Example: "This new software works better than the previous version, making tasks easier and faster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That works better than trying to overtake.

The Economist

Sometimes the theme works better than others.

Independent

Positive feedback works better than negative.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The romance works better than the comedy.

The New York Times

Our way works better than their way.

The New York Times

Sometimes this works better than others.

The Guardian

Sometimes that works better than anything else.

The Guardian - Sport

"Nothing works better than prevention," he said.

The New York Times

It works better than it might sound.

The New York Times

"Honey works better than vinegar," Mr. Cuellar said.

The New York Times

In practice, co-operation often works better than expected.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Provide concrete evidence or reasoning to support your claim that something "works better than" something else. This strengthens your argument and makes it more persuasive.

Common error

Don't use "works better than" without specifying what "better" means in the context. For example, instead of saying "This product works better than others", specify "This product works better than others in terms of efficiency and cost".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "works better than" functions as a comparative expression, indicating that one option, method, or entity is more effective or efficient than another. It is commonly used to express a preference or highlight an advantage, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "works better than" is a versatile and commonly used comparative expression for indicating the superior performance of one thing over another. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and broad applicability make it suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. When using this phrase, clarity and specific comparisons are key to effective communication. The abundance of examples from reputable sources confirms its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is more effective than

This alternative focuses specifically on the effectiveness of one option over another.

is better suited than

Implies that one option is more appropriate for a specific purpose or situation.

is superior to

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a clear advantage.

is more efficient than

Highlights better productivity or resource use.

is more advantageous than

Highlights the benefits one option offers over another.

is preferable to

This alternative suggests that one option is more desirable or suitable.

has the edge over

Indicates a slight advantage or superiority.

outperforms

A single word that conveys doing better than another thing.

surpasses

A more formal term indicating exceeding or going beyond the quality of something else.

excels over

Suggests a high degree of competence or skill compared to another.

FAQs

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

Use "works better than" to compare the effectiveness of two methods, products, or strategies, indicating one is more successful or efficient. For example, "This approach "works better than" the old one because it's more cost-effective."

What phrases can I use instead of "works better than"?

Alternatives include "is more effective than", "is superior to", or "outperforms". The choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it always necessary to provide a reason when saying something "works better than" another?

While not always grammatically required, providing a reason enhances clarity and credibility. Explaining why something "works better than" something else strengthens your argument and helps the reader understand your perspective.

How does "works better than" differ from "is more effective than"?

While similar, "is more effective than" emphasizes the degree of success in achieving a desired outcome, while "works better than" is more general, encompassing ease of use, efficiency, or overall performance.