above the benchmark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "above the benchmark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are comparing performance, results, or metrics to a standard or expected level, indicating that something exceeds that standard. Example: "The team's performance this quarter was above the benchmark set by the industry, showcasing their exceptional skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Click-throughs from the ads to Ford's Web site "have performed well above the benchmark," Ms. LaPointe said.

The New York Times

The interest rate for emergency aid will be 3.5 percentage points above the benchmark "risk-free" rates for euro loans.

The Economist

Average job creation for 2012 was around 181,000, a number just above the benchmark economists calculate is enough for the unemployment rate to stabilise, but not fall.

The Guardian - Business

The spread, or risk premium, on Portuguese 10-year bonds was unchanged at 2.86 percentage points above the benchmark German government bond.

The New York Times

But the practical effect on lending would be minimal, given that almost 90 percent of loans in China are made at or above the benchmark rate.

The New York Times

The depth of uneasiness among banks is evident in the three-month interest rate that banks charge one another for loans: 4.6percentt, well above the benchmark 4percentt rate set by the European Central Bank.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

In order to assess and compare the efficiency of the nine programs listed above, the BAliBASE benchmark dataset was selected [ 16].

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

We study the iterative generator game described above with the benchmark IEEE 14-bus power system that has 3 generators and 11 loads as shown in Figure 1 [21].

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

By this, practices can inform themselves on their performance being average, below or above, as compared to the benchmark average.

BMC Family Practice

Clearing firms are allowed wide discretion to raise margin requirements above the benchmarks set by the Federal Reserve and market regulators, with little notification.

The New York Times

"If there's a lot of volatility to your performance, overall and above or below the benchmark for each investment, then either you are looking at the wrong benchmarks or you are taking more risk than you expected," said Kinniry.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "above the benchmark", ensure that the benchmark itself is clearly defined and understood in the context. This provides a clear point of reference for the comparison.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "above the benchmark" without specifying by how much or in what manner. Providing specific details enhances the statement's impact and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "above the benchmark" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, indicating a state of exceeding a specific standard or reference point. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in contexts comparing performance metrics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "above the benchmark" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates exceeding a defined standard or expected level. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various writing contexts. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and business sources. For clarity, always ensure the benchmark is well-defined. When using this phrase, provide specific details about the extent of the exceedance for greater impact. Alternatives such as "exceeding the standard" or "outperforming expectations" can be used depending on the context. While typically neutral to professional, understanding its nuances ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceeding the standard

Indicates surpassing a defined level, focusing on the act of exceeding.

surpassing the criteria

Highlights meeting requirements at a higher level than necessary.

better than average

A more general term indicating a superior performance compared to the typical.

outperforming expectations

Emphasizes exceeding anticipated outcomes.

superior to the norm

Highlights exceptional quality compared to what is typical.

beyond the pale

This alternative while still meaning a thing is above the other, focuses on the negative extreme.

over the limit

Refers to exceeding a specific threshold or boundary.

higher than the target

Indicates exceeding a specific goal or objective.

excelling beyond the measure

This version is more emphatic and means going above what was expected and can be measured.

climbing over expectations

This version is less formal than others and means outperforming standards in a climbing fashion.

FAQs

How can I use "above the benchmark" in a sentence?

You can use "above the benchmark" to describe performance, results, or metrics that exceed a defined standard. For example, "The company's profits were significantly above the benchmark this quarter."

What is an alternative to saying "above the benchmark"?

Alternatives include "exceeding the standard", "surpassing the criteria", or "outperforming expectations", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "above the benchmark" or "over the benchmark"?

"Above the benchmark" is more common and generally preferred to indicate exceeding a standard. "Over the benchmark" might be used, but it is less idiomatic.

What does it mean when something is described as "above the benchmark" in finance?

In finance, "above the benchmark" typically indicates that an investment or financial metric has performed better than a predefined standard or index, suggesting a higher return or better performance than expected.