a higher than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a higher than expected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing results or outcomes that exceed initial predictions or estimates. Example: "The company reported a higher than expected profit this quarter, surprising analysts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

One CBSA with a higher than expected percentage of births with Medicare as the primary expected payer was excluded.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Top of the risers was Compass, following better than expected results and a higher than expected dividend payout.

The Guardian - Business

Investors had warned that a higher than expected take-up of the LTRO could signal distress among eurozone banks.

The Guardian - Business

Colfax has put in a higher than expected 910p a share bid, valuing Charter at more than £1.5bn.

The Guardian - Business

Turnout was a higher than expected 54.85%.That will make the run-off on July 4 rather more exciting.

The Economist

We also find a higher than expected gap for strictly local heroes born before 1900.

EPJ Data Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

After a high-dose infusion of THAM, PaCO2 rebounded to a higher-than-expected level.

Critical Care

B. mayonii patients also had a higher-than-expected concentration of bacteria in their blood.

The New York Times - Health

A higher-than-expected jump in inflation last month only makes their task harder.

The Washington Post

In April non-farm payrolls grew by a higher-than-expected 288,000.

The Economist

The result: the consumer-price index rose by a higher-than-expected 0.86% in December.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a higher than expected", ensure the context clearly establishes what the original expectation was. This provides a necessary reference point for the comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "a higher than expected" without clearly stating or implying what the expected value was. This can lead to confusion and weaken the statement's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a higher than expected" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that is quantitatively greater than what was predicted or anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

66%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0.003%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a higher than expected" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It effectively describes outcomes that surpass predictions across numerous domains. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the initial expectation for context. Alternatives such as "greater than anticipated" or "exceeding expectations" can provide stylistic variation. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

higher than anticipated

Mirrors the original phrase more closely, simply replacing "expected" with "anticipated".

exceeding expectations

Focuses on the act of surpassing expectations, omitting the comparative aspect.

more than anticipated

Highlights the aspect of exceeding what was foreseen, but uses a different phrasing.

above projections

Emphasizes surpassing numerical forecasts or estimates, often used in business contexts.

surpassing forecasts

Similar to 'above projections', but uses a more active verb.

better than predicted

Emphasizes the positive aspect of outperforming predictions, using 'better' as the comparative.

outperforming expectations

Highlights exceeding expectations through superior performance, omitting the comparative structure.

exceeding the forecast

Indicates exceeding a specific forecast or projection, focusing on the outcome.

greater than anticipated

Formally expresses the idea of exceeding anticipations, using 'greater' for emphasis.

above what was anticipated

Rephrases the concept to highlight that the result surpassed a previously set expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "a higher than expected" in a sentence?

Use "a higher than expected" to describe a result that exceeds initial forecasts or predictions. For example: "The company reported "a higher than expected profit" this quarter".

What's the difference between "a higher than expected" and "exceeding expectations"?

"A higher than expected" specifies that a quantifiable result surpassed a prediction. "Exceeding expectations" is more general and can apply to qualitative performance.

Are there formal alternatives to "a higher than expected"?

Yes, formal alternatives include "greater than anticipated" or "above projections". These options are suitable for business or academic writing.

Which is more appropriate: "higher than expected" or "higher than anticipated"?

Both "higher than expected" and "higher than anticipated" are grammatically correct and similar in meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference; "anticipated" may sound slightly more formal.