exceed expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceed expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone or something has surpassed the expectations or goals that were set for it. For example: "Their performance exceeded expectations and they won the competition by a wide margin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

" 'Work ethic must exceed expectation level,' " Coughlin said one sign reads.

The New York Times - Sports

We want to be sure we can meet or exceed expectation".

The New York Times

"And I'm willing to suggest that on Election Day, I've got momentum, and that I think I will exceed expectation.

The New Yorker

Maureen Jenkins, director of clinical services at Allergy UK, said: "The fantastic results of this study exceed expectation.

BBC

However, these conditions are also the ones where the method's type I error rate begins to exceed expectation (see Figure 2, No divergence point and θ = 0.1).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Others, though, exceed expectations.

The New Yorker

Thankfully, some writers exceed expectations.

The New York Times - Books

We want to exceed expectations".

The New York Times

Pitching has to exceed expectations".

The New York Times - Sports

OUTLOOK -- Their new additions must exceed expectations.

The New York Times

Other results will also exceed expectations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceed expectation" when you want to express that something has not only met but surpassed what was anticipated. Ensure the context clearly defines what the expectation was and who held it.

Common error

Avoid using "exceed expectation" without clearly stating what is doing the exceeding. For example, instead of saying "The project exceeded expectation", specify "The project's results exceeded the client's expectation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceed expectation" functions as a verb phrase often used to describe the outcome of an activity or performance relative to its predicted or desired level. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a situation where something surpasses its goals.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceed expectation" is a phrase used to describe outcomes that surpass what was initially predicted or desired. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively infrequent, it is commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts and carries a neutral to professional tone. To ensure clear communication, always specify the subject and the expectation. Related phrases include "surpass anticipation" and "outperform predictions". By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately use the phrase "exceed expectation" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Surpass anticipation

This alternative focuses on exceeding a general sense of anticipation, rather than a specific expectation.

Outperform predictions

This phrase emphasizes exceeding quantifiable predictions, often used in business or performance contexts.

Go beyond what's expected

This alternative highlights surpassing a standard or typical level of performance.

Exceed anticipated levels

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes surpassing a specific, measured level.

Surpass foreseen limits

This alternative suggests exceeding limitations that were previously thought to be insurmountable.

Overdeliver

This is a more informal term, common in business, that means to provide more than what was promised.

Eclipse expectations

This alternative suggests a more dramatic and complete surpassing of expectations.

Exceed the norm

This phrase focuses on surpassing a general standard or average level.

Outstrip anticipations

This alternative emphasizes exceeding anticipations in scope or degree.

Beat expectations

This is a common, informal phrase that simply means to do better than expected.

FAQs

How can I use "exceed expectation" in a sentence?

You can use "exceed expectation" to describe something that has surpassed what was anticipated, for example: "The company's profits "exceeded expectation" this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "exceed expectation"?

Some alternatives to "exceed expectation" include "surpass anticipation", "outperform predictions", and "go beyond what's expected".

Is it correct to say "exceeds expectation" or should it be "exceed expectation"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "exceed expectation" with plural subjects or "I/you/we/they". Use "exceeds expectation" with singular subjects like "he/she/it" or a singular noun: "The results exceed expectation", "The result exceeds expectation".

What's the difference between "meet expectation" and "exceed expectation"?

"Meet expectation" means something performs as anticipated. "Exceed expectation" means something performs better than anticipated.