surpass the record

USAGE SUMMARY

"surpass the record" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used when talking about surpassing a previously established record or benchmark. For example, "She quickly surpassed the record for fastest time in the 5K race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

That would surpass the record of 95 million doses in 2002.

The New York Times

The global total for next year, if it is achieved, would surpass the record set in 2000 of $464.3 billion.

The New York Times

"In all honesty, it's too early to tell" whether this year's drive will surpass the record, Ms. Smyth said.

The New York Times

He will surpass the record set by Bill McPherson of the American Soccer League in the 1920s and '30s.

The New York Times - Sports

Phelps has his eye on eight golds in Beijing, which would surpass the record Spitz set at Munich in 1972.

The New York Times - Sports

A capital increase would match and possibly surpass the record for the amount a British company has raised.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

2015 also saw three others (Mojin: The Lost Legend; Lost in Hong Kong; Goodbye Mr Loser) surpass the record-holder prior to Monster Hunt, 2012's Lost in Thailand.

The Guardian - Film

Apple claims demand for its new iPhone 6S and 6S Plus could surpass the record-breaking sales of iPhone 6 last year, as the newest versions of the firm's smartphones go on sale in the UK and across the world.

The Guardian - Tech

Australian John Gregory surpassed the record in 1921 with a 67 ball hundred in Johannesburg.

Independent

They'll win their sixty-second tour title, surpassing the record set by Woodforde and Woodbridge.

The New Yorker

Agricultural losses have already surpassed the record — $4.1 billion in 2006 — and could double.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surpass the record" to clearly indicate that a new achievement has exceeded a previous one. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing a measurable or quantifiable accomplishment.

Common error

Avoid using "surpass the record" with abstract or non-measurable concepts. Instead, reserve it for situations where there is a clearly defined record or benchmark to exceed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surpass the record" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a sentence. It indicates an action of exceeding a previously established high point. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "surpass the record" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase that communicates the act of exceeding a previous achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. When aiming for variety, alternatives like "exceed the benchmark" or "break the record" can be considered. It is important to avoid using it with abstract and non-measurable scenarios to maintain accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break the record

Emphasizes the act of invalidating a previous record by achieving a new one.

exceed the benchmark

Focuses on exceeding a specific standard or metric rather than a general "record".

outstrip the previous best

Highlights exceeding a previous high, often used in competitive contexts.

better the high mark

Implies improving upon a previously set high standard or achievement.

overtake the leading score

Implies surpassing a score that was previously in the lead.

top the charts

Specifically relates to achieving the highest position in a ranked list or chart.

smash the existing record

Suggests breaking a record by a significant margin.

eclipse the current high

Suggests overshadowing or diminishing the importance of the existing record.

rewrite the record books

Implies making such a significant achievement that the official records need to be updated.

set a new precedent

Focuses on setting a new standard for future achievements, rather than breaking a previous record.

FAQs

How can I use "surpass the record" in a sentence?

You can use "surpass the record" to describe exceeding a previously set high score, achievement, or level. For example, "The company's profits this year "surpass the record" set last year."

What are some alternatives to "surpass the record"?

Alternatives include "exceed the benchmark", "break the record", or "outstrip the previous best". The choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "surpass the record" or "surpass a record"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "surpass the record" typically refers to a specific, well-known or previously mentioned record. "Surpass a record" is more general and applies when referring to any record.

What's the difference between "surpass the record" and "break the record"?

"Surpass the record" implies exceeding or exceeding, while "break the record" suggests invalidating the previous record and setting a new one. They are often used interchangeably, but "break" emphasizes the disruption of the old record.