be surpassed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be surpassed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where one thing is outdone or exceeded by another. Example: "In the race, she hoped to be surpassed by her competitors, pushing her to run faster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

At his greatest, he cannot be surpassed.

Independent

The record could soon be surpassed again.

Independent

Its size is unlikely to be surpassed.

The New York Times - Tech

Marvelously efficient and unlikely ever to be surpassed.

The New York Times

What are her numbers?' thinking she might be surpassed.

The New York Times

Yet the reach of this book is unlikely ever be surpassed in the search for Cézanne.

Independent

His record 23 home runs with the bases loaded is likely to be surpassed, too.

The New York Times

It may inspire imitations but it will not easily be surpassed.

The New York Times - Arts

Could West Germany's record of averaging more than four goals a game in 1954 be surpassed?

The Economist

Beginning in the 1980s, Hell wondered if the so-called Abbe limit could be surpassed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is unlikely to be surpassed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be surpassed" when you want to emphasize that something has been exceeded or outperformed, particularly in the context of records, achievements, or expectations. Ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "surpass" actively when a passive construction is more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "The new model surpasses the old one," consider "The old model is surpassed by the new one" to highlight the improvement from the old model's perspective when that is your focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be surpassed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is exceeded or outperformed by something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be surpassed" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to indicate that something has been exceeded or outperformed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While alternatives like "be exceeded" or "be outdone" exist, "be surpassed" often carries a broader connotation of exceeding expectations or achieving a higher standard. By understanding its function and register, writers can effectively employ "be surpassed" to convey nuanced meanings in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be exceeded

Indicates going beyond a limit or expectation, similar to being surpassed but focuses on a measurable quantity.

be outdone

Highlights being outperformed or excelled by someone or something, implying a competitive aspect.

be eclipsed

Suggests obscuring or diminishing in importance or prominence due to another's superior qualities.

be outstripped

Emphasizes surpassing in speed or progress, often used in competitive scenarios.

be transcended

Implies rising above or going beyond limitations, focusing on overcoming barriers.

be outmatched

Focuses on being unequal to a competitor, emphasizing a lack of ability to compete.

be bested

Stresses being defeated or overcome in a contest or competition.

be superseded

Highlights being replaced by something newer or more effective, often in a formal or technical context.

be excelled

Focuses on doing something better than someone or something else.

be improved upon

Indicates that something has been made better or more effective through modifications or enhancements.

FAQs

How can I use "be surpassed" in a sentence?

Use "be surpassed" to indicate that something has been exceeded or outperformed. For example, "The sales record is expected to "be surpassed" this quarter."

What's a good alternative to "be surpassed"?

Alternatives include "be exceeded", "be outdone", or "be eclipsed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be surpassed" or "be exceeded"?

Both "be surpassed" and "be exceeded" are correct, but "be surpassed" often implies a broader sense of outperforming or exceeding expectations, while "be exceeded" typically refers to exceeding a specific numerical value or limit.

What does it mean when something is said to "be unlikely to be surpassed"?

When something is described as "unlikely to "be surpassed"", it means that it's considered exceptional and unlikely to be outperformed or exceeded in the future due to its high quality or achievement.