cannot be surpassed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be surpassed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is of such high quality or excellence that it cannot be exceeded or improved upon. Example: "The beauty of the sunset over the ocean cannot be surpassed, leaving everyone in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

At his greatest, he cannot be surpassed.

Independent

Despite these gadgets' superhuman ability to see through walls, sometimes more prosaic techniques -- like shutting the power off before drilling near an electrical outlet -- cannot be surpassed.

The New York Times - Tech

The Obamas have been a bittersweet presence in this campaign season — a poignant reminder, for the many of us who love and admire them, that while we duke it out to choose their successors, the family currently occupying the White House cannot be surpassed.

The New Yorker

She is wholly accepting of the US food landscape around her, but is open to foreign alternatives, as her (very kind) essay "English Food" testifies: "When it comes to cakes and puddings, savouries, bread and tea cakes, the English cannot be surpassed".

The Guardian - Books

It cannot be surpassed in typographical beauty – in its artistic splendor – in its general imperialism of thought and design.

Duke University

On the other hand, Baudrillard also describes a situation where alienation is so total that it cannot be surpassed because "it is the very structure of market society" (1998: 190).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It is unlikely to be surpassed.

The Economist

The record could soon be surpassed again.

Independent

Its size is unlikely to be surpassed.

The New York Times - Tech

The record will quickly be surpassed.

The Guardian

Marvelously efficient and unlikely ever to be surpassed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be surpassed" to emphasize exceptional quality or achievement. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and persuasive contexts where you want to highlight the unparalleled nature of something.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be surpassed" in very casual or informal settings. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "unbeatable" or "the best" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be surpassed" functions as a passive construction used to express the superlative quality of something. It indicates that a particular attribute, skill, or achievement is so outstanding that it is beyond improvement or comparison, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be surpassed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote something of exceptional quality. Ludwig AI affirms its validity for use in written English. It effectively communicates that a particular attribute or achievement is unparalleled. While suitable for formal contexts, it might be too strong for casual conversation, where alternatives like "the best" may be more appropriate. With its frequent appearances in news, scientific, and academic sources, "cannot be surpassed" maintains a neutral to formal register and serves to highlight the unique superiority of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unrivaled

Single word synonym, connoting a lack of competition in quality.

unsurpassed

Single word synonym, carrying a similar meaning but slightly more formal.

unparalleled

Highlights the uniqueness and lack of comparison with anything else.

unequaled

Single word synonym, highlighting the lack of equality in quality.

matchless

Emphasizes the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the subject.

incomparable

Focuses on the impossibility of comparing it to others due to its superiority.

beyond compare

More emphatic, suggesting a quality that exceeds any comparison.

second to none

An idiomatic expression conveying top-tier status.

the best of the best

Highlights the superior quality of something within a specific group.

par excellence

Borrowed from French, indicating the highest standard or example.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be surpassed" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be surpassed" to describe something of exceptional quality or achievement. For example, "The skill of the artisan "cannot be surpassed", making each piece a unique masterpiece."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be surpassed"?

Alternatives include "unrivaled", "unsurpassed", or "unequaled". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "cannot be surpassed" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "cannot be surpassed" is more suited for formal writing. In casual conversation, consider using more relaxed alternatives like "the best" or "unbeatable".

What is the difference between "cannot be surpassed" and "cannot be exceeded"?

"Cannot be surpassed" emphasizes a quality or achievement that is unmatched, whereas "cannot be exceeded" focuses on a limit that "cannot be exceeded" in quantity or degree. The best choice depends on whether you're referring to quality or quantity.