Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
had greater
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "had greater" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the extent or degree of something in the past. Example: "She had greater success in her career than she anticipated."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Alternative expressions(19)
demonstrated increased
showed an increase
incorporated increased
rose
improved
acknowledged an increase
demonstrated an increase
witness an increase
show an increase
experienced a rise
see an increase
observed an uptick
saw an increase
represented an increase
noted an increase
witnessed a growth
expressed an increase
tested an increase
discovered an interest
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
The performance had greater confidence and depth.
News & Media
Mr. Burnham had greater ambitions.
News & Media
But he had greater ambitions.
News & Media
But Ms. Diaz had greater ambitions.
News & Media
"I had greater expectations," he said.
News & Media
The next night I had greater control.
News & Media
Yet Pulis had greater cause for satisfaction.
News & Media
Corn silage had greater DM and NDF digestibility than SS.
Science
Supplemented steers had greater (P<0.01) apparent CP digestibility.
Adults with BD had greater midpoint variability than controls.
Academia
This optimized format had greater analytical sensitivity than competitive ELISA.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "had greater", ensure the comparison is clear and the advantage or superiority is well-defined in the context. For example, "The revised policy had greater impact on employee morale than the previous one."
Common error
Avoid using "had greater" without specifying what is being compared. Saying "The company had greater success" is vague; instead, specify "The company had greater success in international markets compared to domestic ones."
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "had greater" functions as a comparative construction. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and typically used to express that something possessed a higher degree or extent of a particular quality or attribute compared to something else. It is frequently used in various contexts to make comparisons.
Frequent in
Science
34%
News & Media
34%
Academia
12%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
1%
Wiki
1%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "had greater" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to express that something possessed a higher degree or extent of a particular attribute when compared to something else. According to Ludwig AI, its correctness and common usage across various domains make it a reliable choice for expressing comparisons in both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently seen in Science, News & Media, and Academia sources. To ensure clarity, always specify what is being compared and consider using alternative phrases like "possessed more" for subtle variations in tone.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
possessed more
Replaces "had" with "possessed" for a slightly more formal tone, emphasizing ownership or attribute.
experienced a higher degree of
Focuses on the level or intensity of an experience, providing a more descriptive alternative.
demonstrated increased
Highlights the act of showing or proving something to a greater extent.
achieved superior
Emphasizes accomplishment or attainment of something at a higher level.
enjoyed enhanced
Suggests a positive or beneficial increase in something experienced.
benefited from improved
Highlights the advantage gained due to an enhancement or betterment.
commanded greater
Implies authority or control over something to a larger extent.
featured more
Emphasizes the presence or inclusion of something in a larger quantity or degree.
exhibited amplified
Highlights an increase in the magnitude or intensity of a characteristic or attribute.
presented expanded
Focuses on the increased scope or extent of something being shown or offered.
FAQs
How can I use "had greater" in a sentence?
The phrase "had greater" is used to indicate that something possessed a higher degree or extent of a particular quality or attribute compared to something else. For example, "The new strategy "had greater" success than the previous one".
What are some alternatives to using "had greater"?
Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "possessed more", "experienced a higher degree of", or "demonstrated increased" to convey a similar meaning to ""had greater"".
Is it more formal to say "possessed more" instead of "had greater"?
While both phrases are grammatically correct, "possessed more" can sound slightly more formal than ""had greater"". The choice depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.
Which is correct, "had greater impact" or "had a greater impact"?
Both phrases are technically correct, but "had a greater impact" is often preferred because the article "a" can improve the flow of the sentence. Using ""had greater" impact" is also acceptable and slightly more concise.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested