exceeded all expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceeded all expectations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or performance that was significantly better than anticipated. Example: "The team's performance in the project exceeded all expectations, leading to a successful outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Up'n'Under exceeded all expectations.

The Guardian

He has exceeded all expectations.

The New York Times - Sports

The numbers exceeded all expectations.

The Guardian

Its operation has exceeded all expectations.

The Economist

The result has exceeded all expectations.

The New York Times

Gambon exceeded all expectations & was a masterly Galileo.

The New Yorker

The audience has exceeded all expectations, said Johnson.

The Guardian

The law has met or exceeded all expectations.

The New York Times

'The World Cup has exceeded all expectations,' he declared.

The Guardian - Sport

Tiafoe exceeded all expectations to reach the quarterfinals.

The Washington Post

For Tenth Acre, the farm's inaugural production exceeded all expectations — about 7 or 8 thousand pounds.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly establishes the initial expectations to emphasize the magnitude of exceeding them. For instance, "Given the limited resources, the project's success exceeded all expectations".

Common error

Avoid using "exceeded all expectations" for minor improvements or ordinary results. This diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic. Save it for truly exceptional cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceeded all expectations" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a sentence or clause. It indicates that a particular outcome or performance has surpassed the anticipated or predicted level. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exceeded all expectations" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe outcomes that have surpassed anticipated levels. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Academic contexts, it serves to express surprise and satisfaction regarding achievements. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the positive outcome is truly remarkable, preventing overuse in less significant contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Surpassed all anticipations

Replaces "expectations" with "anticipations", providing a slight variation in vocabulary while retaining the core meaning.

Outstripped all forecasts

Focuses on surpassing predictions or forecasts, particularly in a business or analytical context.

Went beyond all predictions

Emphasizes the act of exceeding predictions, indicating a significant overachievement.

Transcended all hopes

Highlights the achievement of surpassing even the most optimistic hopes.

Shattered all estimates

Suggests a complete and dramatic exceeding of estimated values or outcomes.

Outdid all benchmarks

Implies surpassing established standards or benchmarks, often in a competitive environment.

Performed beyond wildest dreams

Uses more figurative language to describe a performance that far exceeded expectations.

Achieved more than anyone thought possible

Focuses on the perceived impossibility of the achievement before it happened.

Broke all records

Emphasizes the surpassing of previous achievements and setting new standards.

Blew everyone away

Uses informal language to convey the overwhelming impact of exceeding expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "exceeded all expectations" in a sentence?

You can use "exceeded all expectations" to describe situations where the outcome was significantly better than anticipated. For example, "The product launch "exceeded all expectations", resulting in record sales".

What are some alternatives to "exceeded all expectations"?

Alternatives include "surpassed all anticipations", "outstripped all forecasts", or "went beyond all predictions", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "exceeded all expectations" in formal writing?

Yes, "exceeded all expectations" is suitable for formal writing, especially when highlighting significant achievements or unexpected positive results. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong phrase.

What's the difference between "exceeded expectations" and "exceeded all expectations"?

"Exceeded expectations" implies that performance was better than predicted. "Exceeded all expectations" suggests the performance was better than anyone predicted, even the most optimistic.