B1 Collocation Neutro 2 min de leitura

better solution

حل أفضل

Use `better solution` when you want to suggest a smarter, more effective improvement to a current plan.

Em 15 segundos

  • A more effective way to solve a specific problem.
  • Used to suggest improvements in both work and life.
  • Focuses on efficiency and finding a smarter path forward.

Significado

This phrase describes a way to fix a problem or do something that is more effective than the current plan. It is about finding an upgrade or a smarter path forward.

Exemplos-chave

3 de 6
1

At a business meeting

I think moving our files to the cloud is a better solution for security.

I think moving our files to the cloud is a better solution for security.

💼
2

Planning dinner with a friend

Ordering pizza is a better solution than cooking after this long day.

Ordering pizza is a better solution than cooking after this long day.

😊
3

Texting about a travel delay

The train is late, so taking an Uber might be a better solution.

The train is late, so taking an Uber might be a better solution.

😊
🌍

Contexto cultural

The phrase is deeply rooted in the Western 'can-do' attitude and the spirit of the Industrial Revolution. It became a staple of corporate language in the 1980s and 90s during the rise of management consulting. Today, it is used globally to signal a focus on progress and problem-solving.

💡

The 'Propose' Trick

In meetings, use the verb `propose` with `better solution`. It makes you sound like a leader. 'I propose a better solution...'

⚠️

Avoid the 'Best' Trap

Don't say 'best solution' unless you are 100% sure nothing else is better. `Better solution` is safer and sounds more humble.

Em 15 segundos

  • A more effective way to solve a specific problem.
  • Used to suggest improvements in both work and life.
  • Focuses on efficiency and finding a smarter path forward.

What It Means

Better solution is your go-to phrase when the current plan just isn't cutting it. It implies that while one answer exists, a superior one is available. It is about improvement and efficiency. Think of it as moving from a paper map to GPS. Both work, but one is clearly the better solution for your sanity.

How To Use It

You can use this phrase as a noun in almost any sentence. It usually follows verbs like find, seek, propose, or need. For example, "We need to find a better solution for this leaky faucet." It sounds proactive and smart. You aren't just complaining; you are looking for an upgrade. It’s a very positive way to suggest a change without being rude.

When To Use It

Use it when you are brainstorming with friends or colleagues. It’s perfect for work meetings when a project is over budget. Use it at home when your current way of organizing the closet results in a shoe-avalanche. It’s great for texting when a friend suggests a restaurant that is too expensive. You might say, "I have a better solution: tacos!"

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it if there is only one possible answer to a problem. If the math answer is 4, 5 isn't a better solution; it's just wrong. Also, be careful using it right after someone shares an idea they are very proud of. It might sound like you are dismissing their hard work. In very emotional moments, like a breakup, saying you found a better solution might get you blocked!

Cultural Background

In English-speaking cultures, especially in the US and UK, there is a huge focus on "optimization." People love life-hacks and efficiency. The phrase better solution reflects this cultural obsession with always improving. It’s the language of innovation and startups. It suggests that nothing is ever truly finished; it can always be improved.

Common Variations

You will often hear superior alternative in very formal settings. In casual talk, people might say a better way. If something is much better, they might call it the ideal solution. If you are feeling fancy, you could say a more elegant solution. But better solution remains the king of versatility.

Notas de uso

This is a neutral collocation that fits almost any context. Be careful not to sound condescending when suggesting a `better solution` to a superior at work.

💡

The 'Propose' Trick

In meetings, use the verb `propose` with `better solution`. It makes you sound like a leader. 'I propose a better solution...'

⚠️

Avoid the 'Best' Trap

Don't say 'best solution' unless you are 100% sure nothing else is better. `Better solution` is safer and sounds more humble.

💬

The 'Elegant' Secret

In the UK and in tech circles, people often use the word `elegant` instead of `better`. An `elegant solution` is one that is simple and clever.

Exemplos

6
#1 At a business meeting
💼

I think moving our files to the cloud is a better solution for security.

I think moving our files to the cloud is a better solution for security.

Used here to professionally suggest a technical upgrade.

#2 Planning dinner with a friend
😊

Ordering pizza is a better solution than cooking after this long day.

Ordering pizza is a better solution than cooking after this long day.

A casual way to suggest an easier alternative.

#3 Texting about a travel delay
😊

The train is late, so taking an Uber might be a better solution.

The train is late, so taking an Uber might be a better solution.

Short and practical for quick decision-making.

#4 A humorous household moment
😄

Buying a new robot vacuum was a better solution than training the dog to clean.

Buying a new robot vacuum was a better solution than training the dog to clean.

Uses the phrase to highlight a funny comparison.

#5 Discussing a relationship conflict
💭

Talking openly is a better solution than staying angry at each other.

Talking openly is a better solution than staying angry at each other.

Used to suggest a healthy emotional path.

#6 Formal academic writing
👔

The study proposes a better solution for urban traffic congestion.

The study proposes a better solution for urban traffic congestion.

Fits perfectly in a formal, research-based context.

Teste-se

Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about saving money.

Instead of buying a new car, repairing the old one might be a ___.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: better solution

We use `better solution` to compare a new idea (repairing) to an old one (buying) as a way to solve a problem (needing a car).

Complete the office dialogue.

Boss: 'The printer is broken again.' Employee: 'Maybe buying a high-quality one is a ___.'

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: better solution

The employee is suggesting a way to stop the recurring problem of the broken printer.

🎉 Pontuação: /2

Recursos visuais

Formality of 'Better Solution'

Informal

Talking to family about chores.

A better solution for the dishes.

Neutral

Daily use with friends or coworkers.

Let's find a better solution.

Formal

Business reports or presentations.

We propose a better solution for growth.

When to use 'Better Solution'

Better Solution
💻

Tech Support

Restarting is a better solution.

💰

Budgeting

Saving is a better solution.

🚶

Travel

Walking is a better solution.

🧂

Cooking

Adding salt is a better solution.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

A good solution works fine on its own. A better solution is used when you are comparing two things and one is superior to the other.

It's a bit cold! It sounds like a business transaction. It's better to use more emotional language in personal relationships.

Yes, it's excellent! It shows you are a problem-solver. You could say, 'I looked for a better solution to increase sales.'

No, that is a common mistake. Better already means 'more good,' so just say better solution.

Not at all. It's very neutral. You can use it when deciding which movie to watch or where to eat.

You can just say a better way or a better idea. For example, 'I have a better idea, let's meet at 6.'

Yes, you can say better solutions. For example, 'We are exploring several better solutions for the traffic problem.'

Not necessarily. It just means the second idea is an improvement. The first idea could be 'okay' while the second is 'great'.

You can say, 'This is a better solution than the one we had before.' It links the two ideas clearly.

Extremely common. It is used in everything from political speeches to commercials for laundry detergent.

Frases relacionadas

Alternative approach

A different way of looking at or doing something.

Superior option

A choice that is clearly of higher quality.

Workaround

A temporary or clever way to bypass a problem.

Optimal choice

The absolute best possible decision in a situation.

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