above par

USAGE SUMMARY

"above par" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean "better than average" or "exceeding expectations." For example: "Jane's performance on the test was above par and earned her an A."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Nearly everything sampled was far above par.

The New York Times

Also above par were the moist and delicious stuffed mushrooms and the portobella capressa.

The New York Times

Two Italian restaurant mainstays were way above par at Calagero's: bruschetta and hot antipasto.

The New York Times

In contrast to previous campaigns, a quarter-final would be considered well above par.

The Guardian - Sport

This is the kind of film that would prompt the movie industry trade papers to say "technical credits above par".

The New York Times

But let's be fair: a semi-final appearance is well above par for the US at this Copa.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Get a free blast of above-par Sub Pop here.

The Guardian - Music

So even for the most senior positions, you should seek above-par scores in most competencies and stand-out scores in just two or three.

Harvard Business Review

But it was an acknowledgement that they had played their part as purveyors of above-par golf and way-over-par entertainment.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet it so far has crack-all to do with a far above-par police procedural: this is all about lies and the West Pier never lied.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I'd say that is a slightly above-par score for our limited squad, so it'd be hard to criticise the manager for the position.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "above par" when you want to indicate that something is better than the usual or expected standard. It's suitable for evaluating performance, quality, or conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "above par" in situations where a neutral or negative term is more appropriate. The phrase always carries a positive connotation, so ensure it aligns with the intended sentiment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "above par" is as a compound adjective, typically used to describe a noun whose quality or performance exceeds the average or expected standard. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where it modifies nouns such as "technical credits", "food", and "specs".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "above par" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjective phrase that signifies something is better than average or exceeding expectations. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse contexts like news, business, and general discussions, with a predominantly neutral tone. The phrase effectively conveys a positive assessment, making it a versatile tool for expressing commendation or satisfaction. When writing, remember to use it where you intend to express a positive evaluation and avoid using it in contexts needing a more neutral expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

better than average

Focuses on surpassing the average level, more general.

exceeding expectations

Highlights the act of surpassing what was anticipated.

superior

Emphasizes a higher quality or rank.

top-notch

Indicates excellent quality or performance.

first-rate

Similar to top-notch, suggesting high quality.

excellent

A general term for very good quality.

outstanding

Highlights exceptional performance or quality.

exceptional

Similar to outstanding, emphasizing rarity and excellence.

remarkable

Stresses the noteworthiness of something.

world-class

Indicates a very high standard, globally recognized.

FAQs

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

You can use "above par" to describe something that is better than average or exceeds expectations. For example, "The restaurant's service was "above par" and made the dining experience exceptional."

What's a simple way to define "above par"?

"Above par" means better than average, exceeding expectations, or of superior quality.

What can I say instead of "above par"?

You can use alternatives like "better than average", "excellent", or "superior" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "above par" in formal writing?

Yes, "above par" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as long as the context aligns with its positive connotation. It's commonly used in business, news, and general discussions.