surmount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surmount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to overcoming obstacles or challenges. Example: "Despite the difficulties, she was able to surmount all the challenges in her path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The PMBD, a wily grouping of regional barons that is the PT's main partner, will probably try to take advantage of her inexperience to satisfy its appetite for pork and spendthrift ministries, even though it lost seats in the election.The man who could help her surmount these hurdles is Lula himself.

The Economist

That should go some way to mollifying critics, but at the risk that the new-found emphasis on compliance will subject legitimate clients to monstrous amounts of red tape.But if HSBC can surmount its current troubles, it has huge opportunities.

The Economist

And each would bring new strengths to the other: Dresdner is stronger in investment banking; Commerzbank is better in online finance.But a deal would have to surmount several hurdles.

The Economist

Hence its tougher visa policy in the buildup to the games, which has caused a plunge in tourist arrivals.The catch was that protestors had to surmount an array of bureaucratic hurdles.

The Economist

Successful politicians surmount party allegiances, rather than entrench them.

The Economist

Jonathan Heawood, the founder of Wilkes, a new, non-profit parliamentary reporting service (named after a great journalist-politician of the 18th century) worries that it, too, might struggle to surmount the regulator's high hurdles.On the record, off the booksAmerica's Internal Revenue Service is willing to grant tax exemptions for non-profit journalism.

The Economist

His solid majority gives Mr Sarkozy a strong mandate for reform, even if some of the hurdles ahead are daunting.Mr Sarkozy should surmount the first by securing a big majority for his UMP party in the parliamentary election next month.

The Economist

But those businesses have a new hurdle to surmount: the country's raging drug "war".Territorial squabbles between traffickers are now affecting city life.

The Economist

But the deal must surmount regulatory impediments in Australia, including a 15% cap on foreign ownership of ASX.

The Economist

Those that can would still have to surmount big legal and logistical obstacles to reroute their payments.Yields on other sovereign debt barely budged on the New York ruling.

The Economist

As Ms Bilmes points out, advertisements even for modest posts are "filled with jargon, acronyms and unexplained requirements" such as "eligibility under 5 CFR 330.60 (b)".In the short term, the recession will certainly increase the number of graduates who are willing to surmount these hurdles.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "surmount", ensure the context involves overcoming a significant obstacle or challenge. This word adds a sense of accomplishment and triumph.

Common error

Avoid using "surmount" in situations where simpler words like "overcome" or "solve" would suffice. Using it for minor issues can sound pretentious or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "surmount" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of overcoming or rising above an obstacle or difficulty. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where "surmount" is used to describe successfully dealing with challenges, aligning with its definition and usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "surmount" is a versatile verb used to describe successfully overcoming obstacles or challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news, science, and business contexts. While it's a strong synonym for "overcome", it carries a slightly more formal tone and implies a significant accomplishment. To use it effectively, reserve it for situations where overcoming a substantial hurdle is central to the message. Be mindful not to overuse it in simple situations where more common alternatives are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of successfully dealing with or fighting against a problem or difficulty.

overcome obstacles

Emphasizes the act of surpassing difficulties. It is interchangeable with "surmount" especially when referring to a variety of challenges.

rise above

Suggests transcending a difficult situation or negative circumstances, often with a sense of moral or spiritual elevation.

rise above difficulties

Emphasizes facing and overcoming general hardships or troubles.

conquer

Indicates defeating an opponent or overcoming a challenge through force or determination.

triumph over

Highlights a significant victory after a struggle.

prevail against

Indicates successfully resisting or defeating a strong force or opposition.

get over

Implies recovering from an emotional or psychological setback.

get past

Indicates moving beyond a problem or obstacle, often implying a simpler or more straightforward process.

scale

Suggests climbing or ascending, often used metaphorically to describe achieving a higher level or position.

FAQs

How to use "surmount" in a sentence?

Use "surmount" to describe successfully overcoming a significant obstacle or challenge. For instance, "The team worked hard to surmount the technical difficulties".

What can I say instead of "surmount"?

You can use alternatives like "overcome", "conquer", or "rise above" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "surmount" or "overcome"?

"Surmount" and "overcome" are both correct and often interchangeable. "Surmount" often implies a more significant or challenging obstacle.

What is the difference between "surmount" and "overcome"?

While both words mean to successfully deal with a difficulty, "surmount" suggests a more significant or challenging obstacle that requires considerable effort to "overcome".