exceed the norm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceed the norm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something goes beyond what is considered standard or typical. Example: "The athlete's performance in the competition was remarkable, as he managed to exceed the norm and set a new record."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"None of the enterprises of the Russian nuclear industry have recorded radiation levels that exceed the norm," Rosatom said.

The New York Times

Parents and schools sometimes make choices that hurt children, and some children have problems that exceed the norm.

The New York Times

The Hawthorne researchers were not the first to recognize that work groups tend to arrive at norms for what is "a fair day's work," restricting their production below that point even when they are physically able to exceed the norm and would be financially rewarded for it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In papers responding to a civil suit filed against her by the sandhogs' union, formally known as Local 147 of the Laborers International Union off North America, she said that its leaders were aware of her expenditures and gave her responsibilities that exceed the norm for a fund administrator.

The New York Times

I found the audio and build quality to exceed the norm at their respective price points.

TechCrunch

In return, Cruise has been a vigilant steward of the franchise, making sure its various components (including its celebrated Lalo Schifrin theme) never fall below acceptable standards and even pushing to exceed the norm where possible.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Hospitals may even become outliers if their adjusted mortality rates exceed the norms.

BMC Medical Ethics

Some turnover is normal, but several inspectors general said the extent of these changes exceeded the norm.

The New York Times

Lawyers who have worked the system say that Clinton exceeded the norm in handling so many cases from the White House.

The Washington Post

It sounds ridiculous, given that three children already exceeds the norm, but four children always struck me as far too many.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even considering the style of rich American families in the early part of the century, her parents, Eugene and Agnes Meyer, seem to have exceeded the norm for emotional reticence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for impactful writing, consider using "exceed the norm" to highlight a significant deviation from what is typical or expected. It provides a clear and concise way to emphasize exceptional performance or results.

Common error

Avoid using "exceed the norm" when simply aiming for improvement. The phrase implies surpassing a statistically or socially established average, not just any target or goal. Ensure that the context involves a measurable or well-understood standard.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceed the norm" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of surpassing a standard or typical level. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and readily usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exceed the norm" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes surpassing a standard or typical level. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While categorized as 'Uncommon' in frequency, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, including news reporting, scientific discussions, and analytical writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly involves a measurable or well-understood standard to accurately convey the intended meaning. Related phrases include "surpass the standard" and "outstrip the average", which can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surpass the standard

Replaces "norm" with "standard", implying a benchmark has been exceeded.

outstrip the average

Uses "outstrip" instead of "exceed" and "average" instead of "norm", suggesting a superior performance.

go beyond expectations

Shifts the focus to exceeding what was anticipated, rather than a statistical norm.

rise above the ordinary

Emphasizes the act of surpassing what is considered common or typical.

excel past the usual

Replaces "exceed" with "excel past" and "norm" with "usual", highlighting exceptional performance.

better the benchmark

Implies improvement beyond an established reference point.

surmount the typical

Suggests overcoming a normal level or standard.

eclipse the routine

Uses "eclipse" to indicate a significant outperformance of regular activities or results.

transcend the conventional

Suggests moving beyond established practices or beliefs.

go above and beyond

This is an idiomatic expression that means to do much more than is required or expected.

FAQs

How can I use "exceed the norm" in a sentence?

You can use "exceed the norm" to describe situations where something surpasses the standard or expected level. For example, "The company's profits this quarter "exceeded the norm" due to innovative marketing strategies."

What are some alternatives to "exceed the norm"?

Alternatives to "exceed the norm" include phrases like "surpass the standard", "outstrip the average", or "go beyond expectations", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "exceed the norm" or "exceed expectations"?

The choice between "exceed the norm" and "exceed expectations" depends on the context. "Exceed the norm" refers to surpassing a standard or average, while "exceed expectations" refers to surpassing what was anticipated. If you're referring to a general benchmark, use "exceed the norm"; if you're referring to a specific anticipation, use "exceed expectations".

What does it mean when something "exceeds the norm" in data analysis?

In data analysis, when something "exceeds the norm", it means that the value or result is significantly higher than the average or expected value within the dataset. This could indicate an outlier, a positive trend, or a significant anomaly requiring further investigation.