be greater than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be greater than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in mathematical contexts or when comparing quantities, values, or qualities. Example: "In this equation, the value of x must be greater than 10 for the solution to be valid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He'll be greater than Babe Ruth".

The New Yorker

"It may be greater than that.

The New York Times

The wines, apparently, will be greater than great.

The New York Times - Food

"But its significance will be greater than unit shipments.

The Guardian - Tech

When we do, America will be greater than ever.

The Guardian

Precipitation and snowfall will be greater than normal.

The New York Times - Travel

The whole will be greater than the chips.

The New York Times - Food

The motivation for Thursday's opponents will be greater than most.

The Guardian - Sport

Disruptions appeared to be greater than they had been Saturday.

The New York Times

Still, the worry is that the demand for cash might be greater than banks expect.

The New York Times

We will be greater than that, because we will be a cultural superpower too.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be greater than" when comparing quantifiable measures or abstract concepts to indicate a higher value, degree, or importance. Be specific about what you're comparing to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid confusing "than" with "then". "Than" is used for comparisons, as in "X is greater than Y". "Then" indicates time or sequence, as in "If X happens, then Y will follow". Using the wrong word will confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be greater than" functions as a comparative expression. As Ludwig AI points out, it sets up a relationship between two entities where one has a higher value or degree than the other. It's widely used to establish superiority or dominance in terms of quantity, quality, or significance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be greater than" is a versatile comparative phrase suitable for many contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and frequently used to compare values or concepts. Predominantly found in scientific and news sources, it’s crucial to use "than" correctly and specify the items being compared for clarity. For alternatives, consider "exceed" or "surpass" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be higher than

Directly indicates a larger numerical value or quantity.

surpass

Indicates going beyond a specific level or achievement.

exceed

Single word alternative, implying surpassing a limit.

be superior to

Highlights a higher quality or status.

outweigh

Indicates being of more importance or influence.

outstrip

Emphasizes exceeding in speed or progress.

be more significant than

Focuses on importance or impact.

transcend

Suggests exceeding limits in a more abstract or philosophical sense.

be of greater magnitude than

More formal way to describe a larger size or effect.

prevail over

Implies triumphing or being more powerful.

FAQs

How do I use "be greater than" in a sentence?

Use "be greater than" to compare two values or concepts, indicating that one exceeds the other. For example, "The benefits must "outweigh" the risks".

What is an alternative to saying "be greater than"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "exceed", "surpass", or "be higher than".

Is it grammatically correct to say "be greater than"?

Yes, "be greater than" is grammatically correct. It's a standard way to express comparison. Ensure you use "than" and not the word "then".

What's the difference between "be greater than" and "be more than"?

While both express exceeding a limit, "be greater than" is generally used for quantifiable or measurable comparisons. "Be more than" can be used in broader contexts, including abstract qualities or characteristics. The choice depends on the specific comparison you want to make.