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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
excel
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'excel' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a verb to refer to excelling or performing better than expected. For example: "Rachel excels in her classes and always receives top grades."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
The entrées tended to tread safer paths, with less satisfactory results.
News & Media
"As of today, we expect wholly satisfactory results for the upcoming quarters," Mr. Noyer said.
News & Media
Not all Nelson's forays into non-country territory have had such satisfactory results, however.
News & Media
This product gave satisfactory results in all types of guns.
Encyclopedias
Setting provided satisfactory results.
Satisfactory results are obtained.
All show satisfactory results.
Clearly that had satisfactory results, since the search giant is going back for more.
News & Media
The research obtains satisfactory results.
Science
Satisfactory results have been obtained.
Science
Satisfactory results validate the claims.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "excel" to specifically highlight exceeding expectations or surpassing others in a particular skill or activity. It's most impactful when there's a clear context of comparison.
Common error
Avoid using "excel" excessively in casual conversation. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious if used too frequently in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "do well" or "shine" in informal settings.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The verb "excel" functions primarily to describe surpassing others or being exceptionally good at something. Ludwig AI confirms it's usable in written English. For instance, "She excels in her field," highlights her superior performance.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The term "excel" functions as a verb, denoting the act of surpassing others or performing exceptionally well. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in English writing. It's often employed to highlight superior ability or achievement. While grammatically correct, "excel" is generally suitable for formal and professional contexts. Alternative terms such as "surpass", "outperform", and "shine" can be employed for stylistic variation. Given its infrequent occurrence in the provided data, understanding its proper application is crucial for effective communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
surpass
Emphasizes exceeding a standard or expectation.
outperform
Focuses on doing better than another entity in a competitive setting.
shine
Suggests standing out positively due to exceptional qualities or performance.
stand out
Highlights being noticeable and superior compared to others.
thrive
Indicates flourishing and achieving success in a particular environment.
flourish
Similar to thrive, emphasizing growth and prosperity.
exceed expectations
Directly addresses surpassing what was anticipated or predicted.
be superior
Clearly states a higher level of quality or performance.
be proficient
Highlights a high degree of skill and competence.
dominate
Implies a commanding performance and prevailing over others.
FAQs
How to use "excel" in a sentence?
"Excel" means to be exceptionally good at something or to surpass others. For example, "She "excels at mathematics"" or "He "excelled in his studies"".
What can I say instead of "excel"?
You can use alternatives like "surpass", "outperform", or "shine" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "excel at" or "excel in"?
Both "excel at" and "excel in" are correct, but they are used slightly differently. "Excel at" is typically used when referring to a specific skill or activity, while "excel in" is used for broader areas of study or professions.
What's the difference between "excel" and "exceed"?
"Excel" means to be very good or skilled at something, often surpassing others. "Exceed" means to go beyond a set limit or expectation. While related, "excel" implies superior skill, while "exceed" focuses on surpassing a defined boundary.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested