above expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "above expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe performance or results that exceed what was anticipated or required. Example: "The team's performance this quarter was above expectations, leading to a significant increase in sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The total amount borrowed was a little above expectations.

The New York Times

They agree with the above expectations.

Earth, Planets and Space

In reality, natural soils always exhibit spatial variability and the above expectations no longer hold true.

Engineering Geology

Apple's Q2 2008 financial results were very strong and above expectations.

TechCrunch

Google made its earnings numbers yesterday, actually coming in above expectations.

TechCrunch

Markets were buoyed by the US data, which were both well above expectations.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Urban industrial symbiosis provides a novel approach to realize the above expectation.

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

Our results do not appear to reflect the above expectation.

Plosone

According to Fast Company, Airbnb is also looking for ways to go over-and-above expectations.

TechCrunch

Despite recent above-expectations earnings, the stock has stalled.

Forbes

Despite early hiccups due to above-expectations usage, Geni is killing it.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "above expectations", ensure the context clearly defines what the expectations were. Providing specific metrics or benchmarks adds clarity and impact to the statement.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something is "above expectations" without providing context. Instead, quantify the improvement or specify the expected baseline for a more meaningful evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "above expectations" functions as an adverbial phrase, often modifying a verb or adjective to indicate that something has surpassed a predicted or anticipated level. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "above expectations" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe results or performance that surpasses what was anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, it is crucial to provide context and quantification to avoid vagueness and maximize impact. Alternatives such as "exceeding anticipations", "surpassing projections", and "outperforming forecasts" can be used to add nuance and specificity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceeding anticipations

This alternative replaces "expectations" with "anticipations" and uses the gerund form of "exceed", focusing on the act of surpassing expectations.

surpassing projections

This alternative replaces "expectations" with "projections" which is useful in business contexts, and "above" with "surpassing", emphasizing a higher level of achievement.

outperforming forecasts

Replaces "expectations" with "forecasts", commonly used in financial or business settings, and "above" with "outperforming", highlighting superior performance.

better than anticipated

This alternative uses "anticipated" instead of "expectations" and frames the comparison more directly.

beyond what was foreseen

This phrase replaces "above expectations" with a more descriptive explanation, indicating something went further than what was initially predicted.

exceeding the benchmark

This alternative is suitable for contexts where a specific standard or "benchmark" is in place, which the performance has surpassed.

performing at a higher level

This alternative focuses on the action of "performing" and directly states the improved quality.

showing superior results

This alternative replaces "above expectations" with a more direct statement of "superior results".

outstripping predictions

This alternative employs stronger wording, with "outstripping" suggesting a significant lead over "predictions".

going beyond the call of duty

This alternative emphasizes exceeding normal requirements or responsibilities, typically in professional contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "above expectations" in a sentence?

You can use "above expectations" to describe performance, results, or achievements that have surpassed what was initially anticipated or predicted. For example, "The company's profits were "above expectations" this quarter."

What are some alternatives to saying "above expectations"?

Alternatives to "above expectations" include "exceeding anticipations", "surpassing projections", or "outperforming forecasts". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "above expectations" or "exceeded expectations"?

Both "above expectations" and "exceeded expectations" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Above expectations" describes a state, while "exceeded expectations" describes an action of surpassing. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the state or the action.

What does it mean when something is described as "above expectations" in a financial report?

In a financial report, "above expectations" typically means that the company's financial performance, such as revenue or profit, was better than what analysts had predicted or what the company itself had projected. This usually leads to positive reactions from investors.