better than par

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "better than par" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that exceeds a standard or average level of quality or performance. For example, "Her performance in the competition was better than par." Alternative expressions include "above average," "superior to standard," and "exceeds expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

More than half the field shot better than par, but Bernie D'Amato '13 was the only Tiger in red numbers.

Princeton University

Surrey's total of 317 was made to look better than par when Arul Suppiah and Trescothick perished in the 14 overs remaining in the day and Somerset closed on 42 for two.

The Guardian - Sport

But Wiebe could do no better than par the 18th, and Bean, playing behind him, drove the fairway, put his second on the green, then lagged up close for the par he needed.

The New York Times - Sports

His victory in last year's US Open at Merion provided compelling evidence to that effect and now he's added the prestigious National title where the winning score was a mere four strokes better than par.

BBC

Jason Dufner was shooting five strokes better than par through 11 holes.

Los Angeles Times

Instead of holding the status quo, Dufner has torched a soggy Oak Hill Country Club through 16 holes, playing seven strokes better than par for the day and holding the lead at 9-under.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

They opened their campaign with a two-point defeat to Harlequins at Twickenham, which might be considered a better-than-par showing, all the more so when one of Harlequins' tries became the latest to outrage the forward-pass police.

The Guardian - Sport

They receive better-than-par psychiatric care.

Los Angeles Times

He understands the importance of the ball flight – the lower the better – and that a golfer has no better friend than par in the wind and rain that swept across the golf course all day.

The Guardian - Sport

McIlroy could not do better than level par from there onwards, placing him on the same aggregate as Woods.

The Guardian - Sport

I'd like to challenge anyone with a 16 handicap to do better than 40 over par.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "better than par", ensure the context clearly defines what 'par' represents to avoid ambiguity. For example, in a business context, clarify if 'par' refers to the industry average, a specific target, or a previous performance metric.

Common error

Avoid using "better than par" without establishing a clear reference for 'par'. This can lead to confusion if the audience doesn't understand the baseline being exceeded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "better than par" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it exceeds a certain standard or expectation. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "better than par" is a comparative phrase used to indicate that something exceeds a specific standard or expectation. While grammatically correct, as validated by Ludwig, its usage frequency is uncommon. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, academia and science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the 'par' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "above the standard", "exceeding the average", or "superior to the norm" can be used depending on the formality required. The Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides useful examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

above the standard

Focuses on surpassing a defined benchmark.

exceeding the average

Highlights surpassing a typical or expected level.

superior to the norm

Emphasizes a higher quality compared to what is typical.

outperforming expectations

Stresses exceeding anticipated results or performance.

surpassing the benchmark

Highlights going beyond an established standard.

excelling beyond measure

Emphasizes a high degree of exceeding expectations.

passing with flying colors

An idiomatic expression for achieving success notably.

a cut above

Implies a higher quality or standard.

in a league of its own

Highlights something as uniquely superior.

setting a new standard

Focuses on establishing a higher level of performance.

FAQs

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

You can use "better than par" to describe something that exceeds a standard or average level of quality or performance. For example, "Her performance in the competition was "better than par"."

What are some alternatives to "better than par"?

Alternatives include "above the standard", "exceeding the average", or "superior to the norm", depending on the context.

In what contexts is "better than par" commonly used?

"Better than par" is frequently used in sports, particularly golf, to indicate a score lower than the expected standard. It can also be applied more broadly to indicate performance that is "outperforming expectations" in any field.

Is "better than par" formal or informal?

"Better than par" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in informal settings or when discussing sports. In more formal settings, "exceeding expectations" or "surpassing the benchmark" might be more appropriate.