I have surpassed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have surpassed" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe overtaking or exceeding a certain expectation or standard. Example: I have surpassed my own expectations by winning the race. The company has surpassed its sales target for the year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I have surpassed all my expectations," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

"Solomon, I have surpassed thee," Justinian declared when he dedicated Hagia Sophia in 537.

The New York Times - Books

"I think I have surpassed all the people before me," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

I have surpassed every statistic that has been put in front of me, so I wake up very grateful.

Vice

In light of this rivalry, it is perhaps no coincidence that Justinian too, when he beheld the completed Hagia Sophia, is said to have cried out: "Solomon, I have surpassed thee".

Wikipedia

As I fondly gaze at the quantum moments in my own life when I have surpassed the limiting beliefs and fear thoughts, I feel a sense of pure delight, a wowie-zowie sense of wonder.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I had surpassed all the things in my life they said I couldn't".

Vice

She had very low expectations for me going into our marriage so the fact that I've surpassed that level is a success story on her part.

Huffington Post

Connick: I think it has surpassed anything anybody thought.

Huffington Post

Yet by 1905 the population had grown to more than 80,000, and by the outbreak of World War I in 1914, it had surpassed the 100,000 citizens, not counting Zemun which then belonged to Austria-Hungary.

Wikipedia

"If I do, I think I will have surpassed a whole lot of expectations".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I have surpassed", consider the context. Ensure that it's appropriate to highlight your achievements without sounding boastful. Balance confidence with humility.

Common error

Avoid using "I have surpassed" excessively when discussing accomplishments. Overusing it might come across as arrogant. Provide specific evidence or context to support your claims instead of relying solely on this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have surpassed" primarily functions as a declarative statement indicating that the speaker has exceeded expectations or achieved a higher level than previously attained. According to Ludwig, this is a grammatically correct phrase commonly found in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I have surpassed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey exceeding expectations or achieving a higher level than anticipated, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a declarative statement, often with the purpose of highlighting accomplishments. While suitable for various contexts, it's essential to use it judiciously, particularly in self-referential situations, to avoid sounding arrogant. Ludwig's examples highlight its application in news media and general writing, suggesting a neutral to professional register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have exceeded

Uses a different verb with a similar meaning of going beyond a certain level.

I have outdone myself

Reflexive construction indicating surpassing one's own previous performance.

I have gone beyond

Emphasizes the act of moving past a limit or expectation.

I have trumped

Suggests a decisive surpassing, often in a competitive context.

I have outstripped

Implies surpassing in speed or progress.

I have bettered

Indicates improving upon something, suggesting surpassing a previous state.

I have transcended

Suggests surpassing in a spiritual or abstract sense, rising above limitations.

I have overtaken

Emphasizes surpassing in a competitive or hierarchical context.

I have overshadowed

Indicates surpassing to the extent of obscuring or diminishing something else.

I have eclipsed

Suggests a complete and often sudden surpassing, diminishing the previous achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "I have surpassed" in a sentence?

You can use "I have surpassed" to express exceeding expectations or achieving a higher level than anticipated. For instance, you might say, "I have surpassed my goals this quarter" or "I have surpassed the requirements for the project".

What's a more humble way to express "I have surpassed"?

Instead of directly stating "I have surpassed", consider phrases like "I exceeded expectations" or "I performed beyond what was anticipated". These alternatives convey the same meaning with a slightly more modest tone.

Is it correct to say "I have surpassed myself"?

Yes, "I have surpassed myself" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It means you have exceeded your own previous standards or achievements. For example, "I have surpassed myself with this project" indicates that you have done better than you have ever done before.

What's the difference between "I have surpassed" and "I have exceeded"?

While "I have surpassed" and "I have exceeded" are often used interchangeably, "surpassed" can imply moving beyond a specific benchmark or standard, whereas "exceeded" more broadly suggests going beyond a limit or expectation. Both are valid and convey a similar sense of accomplishment.