excelled by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excelled by" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to compare or contrast the level of achievement or excellence between two things. For example: - The team's performance was excelled by their opponents, who scored twice as many points. - Her impressive grades were excelled by her exceptional leadership skills. - The stunning view was excelled by the delicious meal at the top of the mountain. - The original film was excelled by its sequel, which received even more critical acclaim.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The small harbour is excelled by that of Náousa on the north side.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"He has been excelled by no officer in the regt. in ability, fidelity and energy, equaled by but few.

The New York Times

In design, EDC has excelled by keeping pace with newer technologies and then rapidly translating them into mass-market products.

Harvard Business Review

A decade ago, Fournier said, Applebee's restaurants excelled by becoming a community center in the American exurbs -- a landscape of newcomers searching for a neighborhood bar.

The Washington Post

He is seen in the three stages of this picture, and his make-up is only excelled by his admirable acting.

The New York Times

Mittelstand companies have excelled by taking advantage of some of the enduring traits of family businesses: equity built up over decades, long-term orientation, a familial atmosphere, and a willingness to allow entrepreneurial space.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Challengers excel by creating constructive tension with customers through unique and surprising competitive insights.

Harvard Business Review

These environments excel by adapting to what they don't have.

MIT Technology Review

America has a multitude of sports stars who were driven to excel by overzealous parents.

The New York Times

Although missions have specific goals, the game excels by offering almost total freedom in how to execute them.

The Guardian - Tech

Her program includes Purcell and Poulenc, Mendelssohn and a group of songs at which she excels, by Hugo Wolf.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "excelled by", ensure that the comparison is clear and that the context provides sufficient information about what is being compared and why one is superior.

Common error

Avoid using "excelled by" in overly complex passive constructions that obscure the subject performing the action. Clarity is key; ensure the sentence structure doesn't bury the main point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excelled by" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject's achievement or quality was surpassed by another. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this comparative function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "excelled by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to denote that something has been surpassed in quality or achievement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and used to compare the levels of achievement or excellence between two things. It appears in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias and is considered neutral in register. Alternatives like "surpassed by" or "outstripped by" offer similar meanings with subtle differences. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in your comparison to maintain effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surpassed by

Focuses on exceeding a certain limit or achievement, indicating a higher level of performance.

outstripped by

Emphasizes moving ahead or progressing at a faster rate, implying a more dynamic form of surpassing.

eclipsed by

Suggests overshadowing or diminishing the importance of the original, implying a more significant difference.

outdone by

Highlights the act of performing better, often used in competitive contexts.

overshadowed by

Indicates that one thing has become less noticeable or important due to the presence of something else.

transcended by

Suggests rising above or going beyond the limitations of something, implying a qualitative improvement.

bested by

Emphasizes winning or defeating, particularly in a contest or competition.

exceeded by

Focuses on surpassing a specific expectation or standard, indicating a measurable difference.

bettered by

Highlights the improvement or enhancement of something, often in a gradual or incremental way.

rivaled by

Implies a close competition where something is nearly equal but ultimately surpassed.

FAQs

How can I use "excelled by" in a sentence?

Use "excelled by" to show something was surpassed in quality or achievement. For example: "His performance was "excelled by" hers."

What are some alternatives to "excelled by"?

Alternatives include "surpassed by", "outstripped by", or "eclipsed by" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "excelled by" or "excelled at"?

"Excelled by" is used for comparisons, while "excelled at" describes proficiency in a specific skill. For example: "He "excelled at" math, but his writing was "excelled by" his sister's."

What's the difference between "excelled by" and "surpassed by"?

"Excelled by" implies a notable difference in achievement, while "surpassed by" simply means going beyond a limit or standard. Both are similar, but "excelled by" suggests a more significant degree of superiority.