only surpassing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only surpassing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something exceeds or goes beyond a certain limit or standard, but only in a specific context. Example: "Her performance was impressive, only surpassing the expectations set by her coach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Her beauty was only surpassed by her talent and class!

The New York Times

Mr. Hekmatyar's deviousness was only surpassed by his competitiveness with other warlords, Mr. Nickelsberg recalls.

The New York Times

Her dedication to her students was only surpassed by their devotion to her.

The New York Times

His love for music and sports was only surpassed by his love of God and family".

The Guardian - Music

He was not only surpassed by Garry Kasparov, the winner, but also by Viswanathan Anand, the runner-up.

The New York Times

He was a loyal loving man whose wisdom and success in life was only surpassed by his warmth and kindness.

The New York Times

The size of his heart was only surpassed by the love he had for his family and friends.

The New York Times

A woman whose personality, wit and will were only surpassed by her heart, love of family and friends, and character.

The New York Times

Just over 85% of Argentina's electricity comes from burning fossil fuels – a figure which is only surpassed by Russia.

The Guardian

Research found that 18-24 year olds were only surpassed by 50-65 year olds in their preference to visit stores.

The Guardian

The illustriousness of his legal career was only surpassed by the depth of his devotion and love for his family.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only surpassing" to precisely indicate a narrow margin of superiority or a very specific comparison. It works best when you want to highlight that something is almost the best, but not quite.

Common error

Avoid using "only surpassing" when the difference is significant. The phrase implies a close comparison, so using it for large differences can sound misleading or ironic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only surpassing" functions as a comparative element, typically modifying a noun or clause. It indicates a near-superiority or marginal difference, positioning something just below the highest level or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and varied usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only surpassing" is a grammatically sound comparative expression used to indicate that something is exceeded by very few or only one other thing. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It is crucial to use this phrase when you want to highlight a close comparison, emphasizing that something is nearly the best without actually being the best. While versatile, its strength lies in denoting marginal differences. Overuse could diminish its impact, so choose its usage thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

topped only by

Highlights that something has been exceeded only by one other element.

second only to

Indicates a ranking where something is immediately below the top.

outdone only by

Highlights the fact that something has been bettered by a single entity.

merely exceeding

Focuses on the act of exceeding with minimal emphasis.

rivaled by none except

Suggests a high level of competition with a single exception.

exceeded solely by

Focuses on the exclusivity of the exceeding.

surpassed by no other than

Emphasizes the exclusivity of what surpasses.

just outdoing

Highlights the act of performing slightly better.

bested only by

Emphasizes being defeated or excelled by one other.

barely exceeding

Emphasizes a slight margin of exceeding.

FAQs

How can I use "only surpassing" in a sentence?

Use "only surpassing" to indicate that something is exceeded by one other thing, often implying a close second. For example, "The runner's speed was "second only to" the champion."

What are some alternatives to "only surpassing"?

Alternatives include "merely exceeding", "just outdoing", "second only to", or "exceeded solely by", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "only surpassing"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is nearly the best or highest, but not quite. It implies a close comparison. Avoid using it when the difference is substantial.

Is "only surpassing" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The surrounding language and overall tone of the writing will determine the level of formality.