higher than that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "higher than that" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: "The new building will be taller than the old one, but we want it to be even higher than that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some estimates are much higher than that.

The New York Times

"I put it no higher than that.

The Guardian

I can't put it higher than that.

The Guardian

Education can't get higher than that.

The New York Times - Sports

But Gough is aiming higher than that.

The Guardian - Sport

But the stakes are higher than that.

The Guardian - Opinion

If there is a point higher than that.

The New York Times - Magazine

I wouldn't be surprised if it goes higher than that.

The Guardian - Film

I am even a tad higher than that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Actually the number may be even higher than that.

The Guardian - Film

"But his I.Q. is a little bit higher than that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "higher than that", ensure the reference point is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The cost is higher than that", specify "The cost is higher than the initial estimate."

Common error

Avoid using "higher than that" without a clear point of comparison. Saying "Sales are higher than that" is confusing if the reader doesn't know what "that" refers to. Always specify what you're comparing against for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "higher than that" functions as a comparative, indicating that something is of a greater degree, amount, or level compared to a previously mentioned or understood reference point. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "higher than that" is a versatile comparative phrase used to indicate a greater degree or level compared to something previously mentioned. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and suitable for various writing styles. While frequently found in news and media, and science contexts, it is crucial to ensure clarity by explicitly stating the reference point for the comparison. For formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "substantially greater than" or "significantly exceeding that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even greater than that

Emphasizes the magnitude of difference, indicating a considerably larger extent.

surpassing that

Implies exceeding a specific limit or expectation.

exceeding that

Similar to 'surpassing that', but may refer to quantifiable metrics.

more significant than that

Focuses on the importance or impact, rather than just size or quantity.

on a higher scale than that

Suggests a different level or order of magnitude.

beyond that level

Specifies that something goes past a defined degree.

to a greater extent than that

Highlights the degree of difference in comparison.

farther than that

Suggests a progression beyond a reference point, often used literally but may be applied figuratively.

well above that

Indicates a position or quantity much greater than a particular standard.

outstripping that

Implies a rapid exceeding of an earlier achievement or benchmark.

FAQs

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

You can use "higher than that" to compare something to a previously mentioned value, level, or expectation. For instance, "The company aimed for a 10% profit increase, but the actual increase was "greater than that"".

What's a good alternative to saying "higher than that"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "exceeding that", "surpassing that", or "even greater than that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what "that" refers to when using "higher than that"?

While it might seem like a small word, it's important to specify it. To prevent confusion in the user experience, it is a best practice to use a different word that is more descriptive to specify what "higher than that" refers to.

Can "higher than that" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "higher than that" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal writing, it's often preferable to use a more precise and descriptive alternative, such as "substantially greater than" or "significantly exceeding that".