better than others

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Of higher quality or more skilled than the rest of a group.

   Grammar: Used after a linking verb or as a modifier. 'Than' is a preposition here, followed by 'others'.

   Patterns

   • be better than others
   • perform better than others
   • do better than others

   Her design was clearly better than others in the competition.

   Some students simply learn better than others.

   This phone is better than others in its price range.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   More fortunate or in a more favorable situation than other people.

   Grammar: Often used to talk about social or economic advantage.

   Patterns

   • be better than others
   • have it better than others

   We should help those who are not as well off as we are; we are better than others only by luck.

   In terms of healthcare, some regions are better than others.

Common combinations

be better than others

Their service is better than others because they respond quickly.

perform better than others

The new engine performs better than others in cold weather.

do better than others

She always does better than others on exams because she studies consistently.

better than others at something

He is better than others at solving complex problems.

Synonyms and how they differ

superior to others

More formal and stronger; 'better than others' is neutral and common in everyday speech.

stand out

Focuses on being noticeable because of excellence; 'better than others' directly compares quality.

Opposites

Commonly confused: better than others or better then others?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “better than others”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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