be surpassed by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be surpassed by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing situations where one thing is outperformed or exceeded by another. Example: "In the latest competition, the reigning champion was surpassed by a newcomer who displayed exceptional skill."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Tonight's take of $3.5 million -- by some accounts the largest amount on record for a single campaign fundraising event -- is likely to be surpassed by a reception in New York next week that is expected to bring in at least $4 million.

The New York Times

The latter process is very fast and can only be surpassed by a large iodide concentration.

Electrochimica Acta

The second difference might be surpassed by a restrained diffusion of calcium and orthophosphate ions from the opposite directions in, for example, a double-diffusion (DD) crystallization device or in viscous gels (Busch et al. 1999; Manjubala et al. 2006; Cai et al. 2010; Yokoi et al. 2010; Sadjadi et al. 2010).

Progress in Biomaterials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Thus, a prodigy who practices intensively yet moves from piano to the saxophone to voice will likely be surpassed by an equally gifted but grittier child".

Huffington Post

("We have even been surpassed by a country embattled by civil war," Slate noted).

The New Yorker

Football's greatest – Pelé, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer and Alfredo Di Stéfano amongst others – may already have been surpassed by a 25-year-old.

Independent

It was 255 by 505 feet and has been surpassed by a flag in Israel that measures 2,165 by 330 feet.

The New York Times - Sports

That high-end setup has been surpassed by a sim racing unit produced by Bugeye Technologies, a company in Pacific, Mo., that also makes flight simulators.

The New York Times - Sports

Maximizers, he writes, "spend hours reading reviews and feel disappointed when an item falls short of expectations or is surpassed by a new model.

The New Yorker

1. KOBE BRYANT, LAL — 28 Bryant led the league in scoring for most of the season but was surpassed by a late scoring surge by Kevin Durant.

The New York Times

In currency trading, an algorithm lasts for about two weeks before it is stopped because it is surpassed by a new one.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be surpassed by a", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the subject being surpassed is explicitly mentioned to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

A common mistake is using the incorrect form of "be" (is/are/was/were) based on the subject involved. Always ensure the verb form agrees with the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be surpassed by a" functions as a passive construction indicating that something has been exceeded or outperformed by another entity. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be surpassed by a" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate that something has been exceeded or outperformed. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples across various domains. While not extremely common, it is frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in your comparisons and consider related alternatives like "be exceeded by a" or "be outstripped by a" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be exceeded by a

Replaces "surpassed" with "exceeded", focusing on the act of going beyond a limit or measure.

be outdone by a

Uses "outdone" to emphasize the idea of doing something better than someone else.

be topped by a

Replaces "surpassed" with "topped", focusing on the act of exceeding a maximum or record.

be outstripped by a

Uses "outstripped" to emphasize the idea of leaving something behind in terms of progress or achievement.

be overtaken by a

Focuses on the act of something moving past something else, implying a change in position or status.

be overshadowed by a

Implies that something is less noticeable or important compared to something else that has become more prominent.

be dwarfed by a

Suggests that something appears small or insignificant in comparison to something larger or more impressive.

be eclipsed by a

Highlights the idea of something being blocked or obscured by something else, often in terms of fame or success.

be transcended by a

Suggests that something has gone beyond the limits or boundaries of something else, often implying a higher level of achievement.

be bested by a

Uses "bested" to emphasize the idea of being defeated or overcome in a competition or contest.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to "be surpassed by a"?

When something "be surpassed by a", it means it has been exceeded or outperformed by something else, typically in terms of quality, quantity, or achievement.

Can I use "be surpassed by" in formal writing?

Yes, "be surpassed by a" is suitable for formal writing, especially when comparing data, achievements, or historical events.

What are some synonyms for "be surpassed by a"?

Alternatives include "be exceeded by a", "be outstripped by a", or "be overtaken by a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I properly structure a sentence using "be surpassed by a"?

Ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being surpassed and what is surpassing it. For example: "The old record was surpassed by a new one". This maintains clarity and avoids confusion.