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When comparing two things, you would use 'the better (not just 'better' but with the definite article).' For instance:

[1] This auto is the better of the two.

And when it's obvious you are only referring to two autos, you would just say

[2] This auto is the better.

Now, which is more idiomatic, "This auto is the better" or "This auto is better" (when there are only two cars in front of you)?

Thanks.

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2  
The latter is better. – J.R. Sep 6 '12 at 23:46
1  
I agree with J.R.; the latter is the better – bib Sep 6 '12 at 23:51
Is there any specific circumstance where you would use the former more often than the latter, without 'of the two'? – Sssamy Sep 7 '12 at 0:16
@Ss You'd use the former when you want to be verbose, because "when it's obvious you are ... referring to [only] two autos, you would just say [2] This auto is the better." or "This auto is better." – Bill Franke Sep 7 '12 at 0:29
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I guess I'd say "but I thought better of it". – Bill Franke Sep 7 '12 at 2:50
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closed as general reference by MετάEd, tchrist, FumbleFingers, cornbread ninja 麵包忍者, Mahnax Sep 7 '12 at 4:36

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