He was both a writer and a politician, but he was better ........ a singer

Analyze the question The sentence compares what the person was best known for. "He was both a writer and a politician, but he was better ........ a singer."

Explain the concept The phrase "better known as" means "most recognized in the role of." The word as introduces the role or capacity in which someone is known. Compare:

• "She is known as a poet." (role)
• "He is better known as a singer." (role)

Check each option

• A. like: "better like a singer" does not make sense. "Like" would mean "similar to," and the sentence would need "better known like," which is not idiomatic here.
• B. to be: "better to be a singer" changes the meaning to "it is better to be a singer," which doesn't fit the contrast with "both a writer and a politician."
• C. as if: "as if" introduces a hypothetical (as if he were a singer), which is wrong here.
• D. as: "better known as a singer" gives the correct meaning, with "known" understood from the context.

Answer The correct option is D. as.

Tip When you see a blank before a job, title, or role, think of "as", which shows a role or capacity. Examples: "He works as a teacher," "She is known as a leader," "He is better known as a singer."