taller than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taller than expected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone or something that exceeds anticipated height. Example: "The new building is taller than expected, making it a prominent feature of the skyline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This means that for individuals 5.7 cm (1 SD) taller than expected based on the height of the parents, the odds of having non-atopic asthma is reduced by approximately 46% compared with individuals with the expected height.

BMJ Open

In contrast, there was a consistency in regard to the father's prenatal exposure the study children, especially the girls, were taller than expected provided their own mother did not smoke [PGM+M−].

American Journal of Human Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was noted that, at baseline, patients were significantly taller and heavier than expected based on CDC norms.

CNS Drugs

He was taller than I expected - he was ramrod straight.

The Guardian

He was taller than I expected though a little stooped by his 71 years.

The Guardian

She is much taller than I expected and far more helpful.

The Guardian - Books

Steve was taller than I expected, and on the chubby side, but it wouldn't have mattered if he'd had one eye – I'd already fallen in love with his personality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The scroll, which is on loan from Kagami Shrine in Japan and has never before been seen in the United States, turned out to be five feet taller than curators expected.

The New York Times - Arts

He was taller than I expected, even though he was hunched over in a slouchy posture that I assume comes from years of trying to be incognito.

Huffington Post

Del Toro, who co-produced Che, is taller than I expect.

The Guardian - Film

He is taller than I expect, and gives a megawatt smile as he starts to walk down the aisle to say "Hello" to as many journalists and crews as he can.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer to use "higher than expected" when describing an altitude of a place.

Common error

A common mistake is using "taller than expected" without specifying what the expectation is based on. Provide the basis for comparison to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taller than expected" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating that it exceeds a certain height expectation. As Ludwig AI explains, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taller than expected" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative phrase to describe something exceeding height expectations. As Ludwig confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from News & Media to Science. When using the phrase, it is best practice to provide a clear reference point for what the expected height was to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "higher than anticipated" can be used depending on the context. The phrase is versatile and readily understood, making it a useful addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taller than anticipated

Replaces 'expected' with 'anticipated'.

higher than anticipated

Focuses on height using 'higher' and 'anticipated' instead of 'expected'.

exceeding predicted height

Replaces 'anticipated' with 'predicted' for a similar meaning.

greater height than anticipated

Emphasizes 'height' more directly and uses 'greater' for comparison.

exceeding height expectations

Highlights that height is exceeding what was predicted.

surpassing the anticipated height

Uses 'surpassing' to indicate exceeding a specific anticipated measurement.

greater in stature than predicted

Uses 'stature' instead of 'height' to emphasize the overall size.

more elevated than foreseen

Employs 'elevated' and 'foreseen' to convey a sense of height surpassing predictions.

higher than what I envisioned

Focuses on personal expectation.

towering beyond predictions

Emphasizes the extent to which height exceeds predictions.

FAQs

How can I use "taller than expected" in a sentence?

You can use "taller than expected" to describe a person, object, or structure that exceeds a preconceived notion of its height. For example, "The new skyscraper was "taller than expected", dominating the city skyline."

What are some alternatives to "taller than expected"?

Alternatives include "higher than anticipated", "exceeding height expectations", or "surpassing the anticipated height", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify the basis for expectation when using "taller than expected"?

While not always mandatory, specifying the basis of expectation often provides clarity. For instance, "The plant grew "taller than expected" based on the seed packet's description" is more informative.

What's the difference between "taller than expected" and "taller than anticipated"?

The terms "expected" and "anticipated" are largely synonymous in this context. Both "taller than expected" and "taller than anticipated" suggest a deviation from a predicted or foreseen height. The choice depends on stylistic preference.