surpass expectation

USAGE SUMMARY

"surpass expectation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an idea of having achieved a higher level of success than was previously thought possible. For example, "The company's profits this quarter surpassed expectations and set a new record."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"We will do what we have always done, we will surpass expectation.

The Guardian

This exhibition once more proves that when a museum makes the best of its collection, the results can surpass expectation.

The New York Times - Arts

It was an intense and rewarding experience for them and for the enthusiastic audiences who came to see young local performers surpass expectation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Facebook earnings surpass expectations boosted by mobile advertising.

The Guardian - Tech

"We have seen demand surpass expectations, is what I feel".

The Guardian

This is yet another state where Sanders might surpass expectations – particularly given the state's demographics.

The Guardian

So how can the developer surpass expectations with this long-awaited return to the wild west?

The Guardian - Tech

Celebrate victories, show your appreciation and publicly reward people who surpass expectations.

WikiHow

In fact, I think he has surpassed expectation.

BBC

Instead, it surpassed expectations.

The New Yorker

(Countrywide surpassed expectations, earning $2.4 billion).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surpass expectation" to emphasize that a result or performance didn't just meet the initial goal, but significantly exceeded it. This is particularly effective in contexts where achievements are noteworthy and deserve special recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "surpass expectation" in routine or mundane situations. This phrase carries a strong connotation of exceptional achievement and should be reserved for instances where the results are truly remarkable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surpass expectation" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of exceeding a predicted or anticipated outcome. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "surpass expectation" is a grammatically correct phrase used to denote exceeding anticipated outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively rare, it is most commonly found in news and media, as well as in formal and business contexts. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the achievement is truly noteworthy, avoiding overuse in mundane scenarios. When seeking alternatives, consider "exceed expectations", "outstrip expectations", or "better than expected" to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceed expectations

Focuses on the act of going beyond what was anticipated.

outstrip expectations

Suggests a faster or more significant advancement beyond expectations.

overcome expectations

Highlights the successful navigation of challenges to surpass expectations.

better than expected

A more straightforward way of saying something performed well, relative to anticipations.

go beyond expectations

Emphasizes the action of moving past what was initially hoped for.

surmount expectations

Implies overcoming difficulties to achieve results that exceed expectations.

top expectations

Indicates reaching a higher level than what was expected.

rise above expectations

Highlights a superior performance that goes beyond the anticipated level.

prove better than expected

Focuses on demonstrating a level of performance exceeding what was originally expected.

excel beyond expectations

Stresses outstanding performance, far surpassing what was anticipated.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "surpass expectation" in a sentence?

Use "surpass expectation" to highlight situations where the actual outcome is significantly better than what was predicted or hoped for. For example, "The project's success "exceeded expectations", delivering unprecedented results".

What phrases can I use instead of "surpass expectation"?

Alternatives include "exceed expectations", "outstrip expectations", or "better than expected", depending on the specific context and the degree to which the results surpassed the initial forecast.

Is there a difference between "surpass expectation" and "meet expectation"?

"Surpass expectation" means to exceed what was predicted or hoped for, indicating a positive surprise. In contrast, "meet expectation" simply means achieving the anticipated outcome without exceeding it. Therefore "surpass expectation" indicates a higher degree of success.

When is it appropriate to use "surpass expectation" in professional writing?

It is appropriate to use "surpass expectation" in professional writing when you want to emphasize that a project, performance, or result has significantly exceeded the initial goals or forecasts. For instance, you might say, "The sales figures for the new product "surpassed expectations" in the first quarter".