larger than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "larger than expected" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is bigger or more significant than what was originally anticipated. Example: The cost of the project turned out to be larger than expected, causing the company to go over budget. In this example, the phrase "larger than expected" is used to convey that the project's cost was higher than what was initially planned or predicted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

The decline was larger than expected.

The Economist

The loss was far larger than expected.

The New York Times

Ah, the old larger than expected velocity.

The Guardian - Music

"The flames seemed larger than expected".

The Guardian

This script may sometimes create an image larger than expected.

Harvard University

This accounts for the larger than expected reading we observed.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The change leads to a larger-than-expected transformation.

The New York Times

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index showed a larger-than-expected drop in confidence.

The New York Times

But the downturn created larger-than-expected law classes as the uncertain retreated to education.

The New York Times

AMR forecast the larger-than-expected loss after the stock market closed yesterday.

The New York Times

Government data showed a larger-than-expected drop in the pace of home sales last month.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "greater than anticipated" or "exceeded expectations" to avoid repetition, especially in longer texts. The choice of synonym should reflect the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "larger than expected" without clearly defining the basis for the expectation. This can lead to confusion if the reader doesn't understand what the size or scale is being compared to. Be specific about what was expected and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "larger than expected" functions as a descriptive modifier, typically used to qualify a noun. It indicates that the size, quantity, or impact of something is greater than what was initially anticipated. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "larger than expected" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that has exceeded initial anticipations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. With a neutral register, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports and scientific publications to everyday conversations. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the basis of the expectation. Consider using synonyms such as "greater than anticipated" or "exceeded expectations" for variety. Its prevalence across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and broad acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceeded expectations

Focuses on the outcome surpassing anticipated levels rather than specifically size.

greater than anticipated

Uses "greater" to emphasize the magnitude exceeding initial predictions.

more than predicted

A simpler and more direct way of saying something was bigger or more impactful than the forecast.

bigger than anticipated

Employs "bigger" as a more colloquial alternative, suitable for less formal contexts.

above expectations

Highlights exceeding a benchmark rather than specifically relating to size.

more substantial than foreseen

Emphasizes the significance or impact being greater than previously estimated.

surprisingly large

Highlights the unexpected nature of the size, using "surprisingly" to add emphasis.

unexpectedly large

Directly states the size was not anticipated, providing a straightforward alternative.

larger than forecast

Substitutes "expected" with "forecast" to emphasize a predicted value was surpassed.

outstripped projections

Emphasizes that actual results have gone beyond the predicted figures.

FAQs

How to use "larger than expected" in a sentence?

Use "larger than expected" to describe something that is bigger or more significant than anticipated. For example, "The company reported a "larger than expected" loss for the quarter."

What can I say instead of "larger than expected"?

You can use alternatives such as "greater than anticipated", "exceeded expectations", or "more than predicted" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "larger than expected" or "bigger than expected"?

Both "larger than expected" and "bigger than expected" are grammatically correct. "Larger" is generally considered more formal, while "bigger" is more colloquial. Use "larger" in formal or professional contexts and "bigger" in informal settings.

What's the difference between "larger than expected" and "above expectations"?

"Larger than expected" specifically refers to size or quantity exceeding anticipation, while "above expectations" is a broader term indicating that performance or results have surpassed what was predicted or hoped for.