be better than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be better than expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing outcomes or performances that exceed initial predictions or assumptions. Example: "The results of the project were impressive; they turned out to be better than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

The economy may be better than expected, rather than worse.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Liberal Democrats raised £3m in the quarter, which appears to be better than expected.

The Guardian

In January and February, the company's sales have continued to be better than expected.

The New York Times

The supply response to high prices seems to be better than expected.

The Economist

That said, after a rather downbeat pre-close, asset quality as a whole does appear to be better than expected.

The Guardian - Business

C1 Dell Predicts Strong Earnings Dell Computer announced that its second-quarter earnings will be better than expected.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It was better than expected," he added.

The New York Times

I think that was better than expected.

The New York Times - Sports

Desserts were better than expected.

The New York Times

The results were better than expected.

The New York Times

"They were better than expected," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, consider specifying how something was better than expected. For instance, "The sales figures were better than expected, exceeding our initial projections by 15%."

Common error

While "be better than expected" is generally acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound less sophisticated. In formal reports or academic papers, opt for stronger, more precise synonyms like "surpass expectations" or "exceed projections" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be better than expected" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe a situation or outcome that has surpassed initial forecasts or anticipations. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be better than expected" is a correct and widely used comparative phrase to describe outcomes that surpass initial forecasts. Ludwig AI underlines its versatility and appropriateness in various contexts. While it is most commonly found in news and media, it is also acceptable in business and general conversation. For formal or scientific writing, consider using synonyms like "surpass expectations" or "exceed projections" for greater precision. Remember to specify how something exceeded expectations for a more impactful statement. The phrase consistently conveys a positive connotation, highlighting unexpected improvements or favorable results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceed expectations

This alternative is a more concise and direct way to express that something has surpassed what was anticipated.

surpass expectations

This phrase is similar to "exceed expectations" but carries a slightly more formal tone.

outperform predictions

This alternative emphasizes the act of doing better than what was predicted, often used in business or performance contexts.

prove more successful than anticipated

This alternative is a more verbose and formal way of saying something did better than expected.

turn out better than anticipated

This alternative highlights the element of surprise in the positive outcome.

do better than forecast

This version is frequently used in the business context.

exceed forecast

This alternative is more concise and frequently used in economic or financial reporting.

be a pleasant surprise

This phrase emphasizes the unexpected and welcome nature of the positive outcome.

deliver results beyond expectations

This alternative is a stronger statement, suggesting that the outcome was significantly better than expected.

surpass initial projections

This alternative emphasizes that something has gone beyond its original targets.

FAQs

How can I use "be better than expected" in a sentence?

You can use "be better than expected" to describe outcomes that have surpassed initial predictions or assumptions. For example, "The company's profits were better than expected this quarter".

What's a more formal alternative to "be better than expected"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "surpass expectations" or "exceed projections". These phrases are often used in business or academic contexts.

Is it always positive when something "be better than expected"?

Yes, the phrase "be better than expected" always carries a positive connotation, indicating that the actual outcome or performance was more favorable than initially anticipated.

What's the difference between "be better than expected" and "exceed expectations"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "exceed expectations" is often seen as more concise and impactful, while "be better than expected" might be considered slightly more conversational.