further than we expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "further than we expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing outcomes or results that exceed initial predictions or assumptions. Example: "The project's success was further than we expected, leading to additional funding opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"She carried that a bit further than we expected her to," Mr. Kitchen said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He always has a clear narrative structure, and his characters often develop further than we expect.

The New Yorker

For example, a very large study may initially appear consistent with the rest of the data, but on closer inspection it might provide an estimate much further from the pooled estimate than we expect by chance.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

What I do know is that he's the new face of scientific effort, whether we like it or not, and a lot can be said for the framers of science who, through private effort and a love of science, expanded our knowledge and took us further than we ever expected.

TechCrunch

We got further than we could have ever hoped to and further than anyone expected.

The New York Times

Further than anyone expected, it seems.

The Economist

She wrote: "Thinks he may have raped someone – it went further than she expected".

The Guardian

One shellshocked surviving player said the team's organization enabled them to go further than anyone expected.

The Guardian

This first primary may or may not mark the highwater point of the revolution, but the tide has come up far further than anyone expected already.

The Guardian

Its proposals to scrap ID cards go further than initially expected with the halting not only of the ID database but also the next generation of biometric passports.

The Guardian

It felt like a surreal end to a surreal few months for a campaign that has gone further than any expected yet may finally have run out of road.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "further than we expected", ensure the context clearly establishes what the initial expectations were. This provides a stronger impact for your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "further than we expected" without defining whose expectations are being referenced. Be specific to prevent ambiguity and ensure clarity for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "further than we expected" functions as a comparative adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb by indicating the extent to which an action or result surpasses initial anticipations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English, as seen in examples where it describes exceeding expectations in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "further than we expected" is a versatile comparative adverbial phrase used to express that an outcome or result has surpassed initial predictions or anticipations. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in English. It finds frequent application across various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions, making it a common expression. While neutrally toned, its impact can be enhanced by clearly defining the expectations being referenced and considered to use a more formal synonym like "beyond our initial expectations" in professional settings. Prominent sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, affirming its widespread acceptance and appropriate use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond our initial expectations

Replaces "further than" with "beyond", emphasizing exceeding a boundary.

more than we anticipated

Substitutes "expected" with "anticipated", adding a nuance of prior consideration.

exceeded our projections

Uses "projections" instead of "expectations", suitable for data-driven contexts.

surpassed our initial estimates

Replaces "expectations" with "estimates", implying a numerical assessment.

outstripped our forecasts

Employs "outstripped" and "forecasts", suggesting a rapid advancement past predictions.

went beyond our wildest dreams

Introduces a sense of extreme optimism, suggesting an outcome better than imagined.

achieved more than we thought possible

Focuses on the accomplishment, highlighting the unexpected success.

better than we had hoped

Expresses a more personal sense of satisfaction with the outcome.

greater than we envisioned

Uses "envisioned" to emphasize the initial mental picture not matching reality.

to a greater extent than foreseen

Formal and emphasizes the degree to which something happened exceeding predictions.

FAQs

How can I use "further than we expected" in a sentence?

You can use "further than we expected" to describe a result or outcome that exceeded initial predictions or anticipations. For example, "The project's success went "further than we expected", leading to increased investment."

What's a less formal way to say "further than we expected"?

In informal contexts, you could say "more than we thought" or "better than we imagined". For example, "The party was "better than we imagined"!" is more casual than saying it went "further than we expected".

Is it acceptable to use "further than we expected" in formal writing?

Yes, "further than we expected" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to express that an outcome surpassed initial anticipations, and can be used in business reports, academic papers, or news articles.

What alternatives to "further than we expected" can I use to sound more professional?

For a more professional tone, consider using phrases like "beyond our initial expectations", "more than we anticipated", or "exceeded our projections". These alternatives provide a similar meaning while maintaining a formal register. For example, "The results "exceeded our projections"."