surpassed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surpassed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone has been exceeded in quality, performance, or achievement by another entity. Example: "The athlete's record was surpassed by a newcomer who broke the previous time by several seconds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was surpassed by Apple and Samsung.

The New York Times

They have just been surpassed by Wal-Mart, she said.

The New York Times

Her beauty was only surpassed by her talent and class!

The New York Times

Their achievements can be repeated and surpassed by others.

The Guardian - Sport

"It surpassed, by far, what we had expected.

The New York Times

For Major Dopheide, fear was quickly surpassed by rage.

The New York Times

("E.T". would be surpassed by another Spielberg film, "Jurassic Park," in 1993).

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

("We have even been surpassed by a country embattled by civil war," Slate noted).

The New Yorker

The insiders are not, by and large, fretting about being surpassed by their creations.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "surpassed by", ensure the context clearly identifies both the entity being surpassed and the entity doing the surpassing to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "surpassed by" excessively in passive constructions, as it can make your writing sound less direct. Consider rewriting the sentence in the active voice for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surpassed by" functions as a passive construction, typically used to indicate that a subject has been exceeded or outdone in some quality or attribute. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and commonly used in English writing. For example, "It was surpassed by Apple and Samsung."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "surpassed by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that effectively conveys the idea of one entity exceeding another in a specific attribute. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is accurate and widely used. Its prevalence in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing suggests a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating both the entity being surpassed and the surpassing entity. While useful, it's important to avoid overusing passive voice to maintain a direct and engaging writing style. Consider using alternatives such as "exceeded by", "outstripped by", or "outdone by" to add variety to your writing. This comprehensive analysis, supported by real-world examples, provides a solid foundation for understanding and effectively using the phrase "surpassed by".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceeded by

Direct synonym, focusing on quantitative outperformance.

outstripped by

Implies a significant margin of surpassing, often in a competitive context.

outdone by

Highlights a qualitative improvement, suggesting better performance or skill.

eclipsed by

Indicates that the original thing is now less prominent due to the surpassing entity.

overtaken by

Suggests a catching-up and then exceeding, often in a dynamic situation.

superseded by

Implies that the new entity has replaced the old one, often in a formal or official setting.

bettered by

Focuses on the improvement aspect, indicating a higher quality or standard.

outclassed by

Emphasizes a significant difference in class or quality.

triumphed over by

Highlights a victory, signifying a win in a contest or struggle.

dwarfed by

Suggests that the original thing appears small or insignificant in comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "surpassed by" in a sentence?

Use "surpassed by" to indicate that something or someone has exceeded another in quality, performance, or achievement. For example: "The athlete's record was "surpassed by" a newcomer".

What are some alternatives to "surpassed by"?

You can use alternatives such as "exceeded by", "outstripped by", or "outdone by" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "surpassed by"?

While grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct and impactful. Consider rewriting sentences to highlight who or what did the surpassing, rather than focusing on what was "surpassed by" someone or something.

What's the difference between "surpassed by" and "preceded by"?

"Surpassed by" indicates exceeding in quality or achievement, while "preceded by" simply means coming before in time or order. They are not interchangeable.