better than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'better than expected' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something exceeds the expected outcome, either in a positive or negative context. For example, "The results of the project were better than expected, with the team completing the taskdays ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

U.S. GDP Growth Better Than Expected.

Forbes

Federated's Sales Last Week Better Than Expected.

Forbes

Better than expected.

The Guardian - Travel

Elsewhere, Mr. Santorum does better than expected.

The New York Times

Earnings have been mostly better than expected.

The New York Times

Remittances held up better than expected.

The Economist

"It was better than expected," he added.

The New York Times

I think that was better than expected.

The New York Times - Sports

Hashemi did better than expected this Friday.

The New York Times

Desserts were better than expected.

The New York Times

Palin did "better than expected".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "better than expected", ensure you provide context to clarify what was expected and why the actual outcome was superior. This adds credibility and provides a clearer understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "better than expected" without specifying what the expectations were. A vague comparison lacks impact and leaves the reader wondering about the basis for the assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better than expected" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun or situation. It indicates that the actual outcome or performance has surpassed the initial predictions or anticipations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "better than expected" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey that an outcome has surpassed initial predictions or anticipations. As Ludwig AI verifies, the phrase is correct and applicable across various contexts. It functions primarily as an adjectival modifier, indicating a positive surprise or satisfaction with the result. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, contexts like News & Media and academic discussions frequently employ it. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide context, clarifying what expectations were and why the outcome was superior. Alternatives such as "exceeded expectations" or "surpassed anticipated results" offer more formal options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

better than anticipated

Synonymous, placing emphasis on the anticipation rather than expectation.

exceeded expectations

Indicates a performance or outcome that went beyond what was initially predicted or hoped for.

did surpass expectations

The actual result was more successful or larger than the initial estimate.

surpassed anticipated results

Highlights that the actual results were higher or better than what was anticipated.

outperformed predictions

Emphasizes that the actual performance was superior to what was predicted.

did better than anticipated

A more direct and simpler way of saying that the outcome was better than initially thought.

proved more successful than projected

Suggests that the level of success achieved was higher than what was initially projected.

turned out better than forecast

Focuses on the final result being more positive than the initial forecast indicated.

was a pleasant surprise

Highlights the unexpected and positive nature of the outcome.

beyond initial estimates

The actual result was more successful or larger than the initial estimate.

FAQs

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

You can use "better than expected" to describe outcomes that have surpassed initial predictions. For example, "The company's profits were "better than expected", leading to a rise in stock prices".

What are some alternatives to saying "better than expected"?

Alternatives include "exceeded expectations", "surpassed anticipated results", or "outperformed predictions". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Generally, "better than expected" implies a positive outcome. However, it can be used ironically or in specific contexts where even a slight improvement is noteworthy, regardless of the overall result.

Which is more formal, "better than expected" or "exceeded expectations"?

Exceeded expectations tends to be more formal and is often used in business or academic settings. "Better than expected" is suitable for a wider range of contexts.