exceeded only by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceeded only by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare two things, indicating that one is greater than another in a specific context. Example: "The excitement of the crowd was exceeded only by the thrill of the performers on stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

88 Exceeded only by Curtis Publishing Co.

The New Yorker

Joel's lyrical genius is exceeded only by his whining.

The New York Times - Magazine

His musical talents were exceeded only by his kindness and compassion as a human being.

The New York Times

The film's site average of £6,831 was exceeded only by Ant-Man.

The Guardian - Film

Lazar is a famously generous host, his generosity exceeded only by his unpredictability.

The New Yorker

"The Hollow" sold 1,912,349 copies, exceeded only by "The Appeal," by John Grisham.

The New Yorker

The EU's enthusiasm for treaties such as TTIP is exceeded only by Cameron's.

The Guardian - Opinion

An exceptional man, his business acumen was exceeded only by his commitment to his family.

The New York Times

It was Rokoduguni's 16th Premiership try of 2016, a figure exceeded only by Christian Wade.

The Guardian - Sport

Shandong is China's second most populous province, its population exceeded only by that of Henan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His kindness and gentleness were exceeded only by his desire to help those less fortunate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceeded only by" when you want to emphasize that something is almost the best or highest, with only one exception. This construction adds a touch of elegance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "exceeded only by" when comparing items that cannot be directly measured or ranked on the same scale. Ensure that the items being compared have a quantifiable or clearly defined basis for comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceeded only by" functions as a comparative element within a sentence. It serves to highlight the high degree of a particular quality or quantity, while acknowledging a single superior instance. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly used to create emphasis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exceeded only by" is a versatile comparative expression used to emphasize that something is second to none (or very few). Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently encountered in diverse contexts, notably news, encyclopedias and media. When writing, remember to use it when comparing measurable qualities, and consider alternatives like "second only to" for variety. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "exceeded only by" to add precision and sophistication to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

second only to

Directly indicates a ranking of second place, simpler and more direct.

second to none except

Strongly emphasizes the superior quality of something, allowing for one exception.

surpassed by few

Focuses on the scarcity of superior instances, rather than directly comparing to a single element.

unsurpassed except by

Emphasizes the high quality of something, with a single exception.

outranked only by

Implies a hierarchical ranking, suitable for formal contexts.

rivaled only by

Highlights the competitive aspect, suggesting close similarity in quality or quantity.

eclipsed only by

Suggests that something is overshadowed by one other thing.

only bested by

A more informal and active way of expressing the same comparison.

paralleled only by

Indicates similarity in level or degree, with a single superior example.

matched only by

Highlights equality in one aspect and inferiority in another.

FAQs

How can I use "exceeded only by" in a sentence?

Use "exceeded only by" to compare two items, emphasizing that one is nearly the best or highest. For instance, "His dedication to his work was "exceeded only by" his devotion to his family."

What alternatives can I use instead of "exceeded only by"?

You can use alternatives like "second only to", "surpassed only by", or "rivaled only by" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'only exceeded by' instead of "exceeded only by"?

While understandable, "exceeded only by" is the conventional and grammatically preferred order. "Only exceeded by" can sound awkward and is less frequently used.

What's the difference between "exceeded only by" and "surpassed only by"?

The phrases ""exceeded only by"" and "surpassed only by" are largely interchangeable and convey the same meaning. "Surpassed" may imply a slightly greater degree of achievement.