higher than normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "higher than normal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare something to a usual or typical level, for example: "She was feeling anxious, her heart rate was higher than normal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Livestock mortality was higher than normal.

The Guardian

My voice was higher than normal, and unstable.

The New Yorker

"The threat assessment is higher than normal," Williams said.

The New York Times - Sports

The eosinophil count was from 4 to 11 times higher than normal.

The New York Times

This raises the pulse higher than normal, which will improve cardiovascular fitness.

The Guardian

The scientists said strands of hair showed levels of arsenic about 35 times higher than normal.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Hospitals can pay consultants a higher-than-normal rate for extra shifts.

The Guardian

The new moon had pushed higher-than-normal tides into estuaries.

The New York Times - Sports

Those four days each year usually bring higher-than-normal volume as investors jockey for new positions.

The New York Times

The unusually mild weather, and higher-than-normal rainfall, have taken the wind out of the various disaster predictions.

The New York Times

John Y Diabetes is a condition characterised by higher-than-normal levels of sugar in the bloodstream.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing data sets, use "higher than normal" to clearly indicate a deviation from the expected baseline, providing context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "higher than normal" without clearly establishing what 'normal' refers to. Always define the baseline for comparison to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "higher than normal" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to modify nouns by indicating that their level, quantity, or intensity exceeds a typical or expected baseline. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "higher than normal" is a common and grammatically correct comparative adjective phrase used to describe something exceeding a typical or expected level. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It finds frequent application across diverse contexts such as news, science, and business, serving to highlight deviations from an established baseline. When using this phrase, ensure that the baseline for comparison is clearly defined to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives include "above average" and "more than typical". It's important to remember, defining the baseline for comparison ensures clarity and relevance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more than typical

Directly contrasts the situation with the typical or standard case.

above average

Implies exceeding a statistical average rather than a general norm.

elevated beyond normal

Suggests a formal or scientific context where a specific value is elevated.

beyond the usual

Highlights the deviation from what is typically expected.

unusually elevated

Points to the unexpected and significant increase in level or value.

surpassing the standard

Indicates a performance or measurement that goes beyond the defined standard.

exceeding expectations

Focuses on surpassing anticipated levels of performance or results.

at a heightened level

Describes a state of increased intensity or degree compared to the usual.

anomalously high

Emphasizes the irregularity and unexpectedness of the high level.

out of the ordinary

Highlights the unusual or exceptional nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "higher than normal" in a sentence?

Use "higher than normal" to describe a level, amount, or rate that exceeds the typical or expected value. For example: "The fever caused a temperature "higher than normal"."

What's a good alternative to "higher than normal"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "above average", "more than typical", or "unusually elevated".

Is it correct to say "levels are higher than normal"?

Yes, "levels are higher than normal" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that measured values exceed the expected range.

What is the difference between "higher than normal" and "higher than usual"?

The phrases "higher than normal" and "higher than usual" are largely interchangeable. Both indicate that something is above the typical or expected level. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.