surpassing that

USAGE SUMMARY

"surpassing that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something greater in comparison to the previously mentioned subject. For example: She wasn't satisfied with her current job, so she set a goal for herself to find something more challenging—surpassing that, she wanted to make a difference in the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Surpassing that amount risks poisoning or killing liver cells.

Harvard University

Artificial intelligence is still far from surpassing that of humans.

The Economist

Auriemma has seemed of two minds about surpassing that hallowed record.

The New York Times - Sports

Firstly, artificial intelligence is still far from surpassing that of humans.

The Economist

Surpassing that expectation and becoming a global campaign was really gratifying.

The Guardian

This paper describes a high-definition freehand 3-D ultrasound (US) system, with accuracy surpassing that of previously documented systems.

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology

Clearly, The Force Awakens has an extremely good shot of surpassing that record, but only time will tell.

Independent

The calculation shows enhancement of power extraction by the dual mass system, surpassing that by single mass system.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

With a monthly take-home pay of almost $3,000, he is well on his way to surpassing that status.

The New York Times

The powerful ramps or wild leeks, their pungency surpassing that of even garlic, calm down a bit when cooked.

The New York Times - Food

At the start of the 21st century, it once again experienced rapid growth, in recent years surpassing that of its neighbors Brazil and Argentina.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surpassing that" to clearly indicate a new achievement, level, or quantity that exceeds a previously mentioned one. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in comparative statements.

Common error

Avoid using "surpassing that" without a clear and explicit reference point. Ensure the reader knows exactly what "that" refers to; otherwise, the phrase becomes vague and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surpassing that" functions as a comparative marker. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is used to indicate that something exceeds a previously mentioned level, quantity, or achievement. This comparison can be used in various contexts to emphasize the magnitude or superiority of the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "surpassing that" is a grammatically correct and versatile comparative marker used to indicate exceeding a previously established reference point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s frequently employed in news, science, and academic contexts. While versatile, clarity is key, as the phrase's effectiveness relies on a clearly defined antecedent. Alternatives such as "exceeding that" or "outdoing that" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts, but "surpassing that" remains a direct and widely accepted choice for comparative statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceeding that

Focuses on exceeding a specific limit or quantity, maintaining a similar numerical or measurable comparison.

outdoing that

Implies surpassing in performance or achievement, adding a competitive aspect.

bettering that

Highlights an improvement over the previous standard, suggesting a positive change.

exceeding expectations

Focuses on surpassing anticipated outcomes, specifically relating to hopes or predictions.

going beyond that

Suggests extending beyond a certain boundary or limitation, emphasizing a broader scope.

above and beyond that

Emphasizes exceeding not just the standard, but doing so exceptionally well or to a great extent.

surmounting that

Implies overcoming a challenge to exceed the previous level, adding a sense of difficulty overcome.

overshadowing that

Suggests that the new achievement is so great that it minimizes the importance of the previous one.

eclipsing that

Similar to overshadowing, but often used in a more dramatic or figurative sense.

transcending that

Suggests moving beyond limitations to achieve a higher state or level, implying a more profound change.

FAQs

How can I use "surpassing that" in a sentence?

You can use "surpassing that" to indicate an amount, quality, or achievement that is greater than a previously mentioned one. For example, "The company's profits this year are "surpassing that" of the previous year".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "surpassing that"?

Alternatives include "exceeding that", "outdoing that", or "bettering that". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "exceeding that" instead of "surpassing that"?

While both phrases are suitable for formal contexts, "exceeding that" may sound slightly more formal than "surpassing that". The difference is subtle, and both are generally acceptable in professional or academic writing.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "surpassing that"?

It would be inappropriate to use "surpassing that" if there is no prior reference point for "that". The phrase requires a clear antecedent to make sense; otherwise, it lacks context and becomes confusing.