something more than

USAGE SUMMARY

"something more than" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has been increased or added in comparison to what was previously there, or something is greater than expected. For example, "He achieved something more than a win - he achieved glory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Something more than excellent hair.

The New York Times

It was about something more than tennis.

The New York Times - Magazine

It also demands something more than silence.

The New Yorker

There is something more than wisdom here.

The New Yorker

Let's hear something more than overblown rhetoric.

The New York Times

They're after something more than victory here.

Independent

It is something more than that.

The Guardian - Arts

But there was something more than that.

The Washington Post

"They did something more than a recount.

The New York Times

You're purchasing something more than that service.

The New York Times - Sports

And maybe something more than that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something more than" to clearly indicate that the quality, quantity, or significance of something surpasses a given baseline. For example, "The project required something more than basic skills; it demanded creativity and innovation."

Common error

Avoid using "something more than" when a direct comparison is clearer and more concise. For instance, instead of saying "The updated model is something more than good", it's better to state "The updated model is excellent."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something more than" functions primarily as a comparative qualifier. Ludwig AI explains it suggests that something exceeds a certain level or expectation. It adds emphasis by indicating that the characteristic being described is not merely adequate but superior or additional to a given standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

33%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something more than" is a versatile phrase used to express that something exceeds a certain level or expectation. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Its prevalence in news and media alongside academic texts emphasizes its neutrality and broad applicability. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "above and beyond" or "greater than" for similar emphasis. Avoiding redundancy and ensuring clarity will enhance your writing when employing this comparative qualifier. Be sure to check that your sentence makes sense in context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

much more than

This phrase reinforces that something is considerably greater or more significant.

greater than

This phrase is a direct comparison, indicating a higher value or importance.

more significant than

This alternative highlights the increased importance or impact of something compared to something else.

above and beyond

This alternative emphasizes exceeding expectations or requirements, suggesting an exceptional effort or quality.

over and above

This alternative stresses the addition of something extra, exceeding what is necessary or expected.

in excess of

This phrase denotes a quantity or degree that surpasses a specified limit or standard.

exceeding

This emphasizes surpassing a limit, degree, or quality, often in a measurable way.

surpassing

This single word emphasizes the act of going beyond or exceeding a particular level or achievement.

transcending

This suggests rising above or going beyond the limitations of something.

beyond the scope of

This alternative is used when referring to topics or subjects that lie outside the boundaries of a particular discussion or analysis.

FAQs

How can I use "something more than" in a sentence?

Use "something more than" to indicate that a certain aspect, quality, or characteristic exceeds a given or expected level. For example, "The role requires "something more than basic competence"" or "Their contribution was "something more than just help"".

What are some alternatives to "something more than"?

You can use phrases like "above and beyond", "in excess of", or "greater than" depending on the context to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "something more than better"?

No, "something more than better" is generally considered redundant and grammatically awkward. It's better to simply say "something better" or use a stronger adjective to convey the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "something more than" and "nothing more than"?

"Something more than" indicates an excess or surpassing of a certain level, whereas "nothing more than" signifies a strict limitation to a specific level or extent. They are antonyms, expressing opposite ideas.