than predicted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "than predicted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing an actual outcome to a forecast or expectation, indicating that the actual result differs from what was anticipated. Example: "The sales figures for this quarter were higher than predicted, leading to a positive outlook for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both wars lasted far longer than predicted.

The New York Times

Its turnaround has happened faster than predicted.

The New York Times

But they're doing much better than predicted.

The New York Times - Health

The trial lasts longer than predicted.

The Guardian

Postwar problems have been worse than predicted.

The New York Times

Almost every statistic has turned out better than predicted.

Harvard University

And sea level is rising even faster than predicted.

Columbia University

But the jobless rate is higher than predicted.

The Guardian - Business

The position might be even worse than predicted.

The Guardian

Other reforms have been more modest than predicted.

The New York Times

Global warming trends are dire and worse than predicted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "than predicted" to highlight a contrast between an expected outcome and the actual result, emphasizing the element of surprise or deviation.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses when comparing actual outcomes with predictions. For example, instead of "The results are higher than predicted it would be", use "The results are higher than predicted."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "than predicted" serves as a comparative conjunction, linking an actual outcome or measurement to a previously established forecast or expectation. It indicates that a difference exists between the realized result and what was initially anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

36%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "than predicted" is a common and grammatically correct comparative used to highlight discrepancies between actual outcomes and prior forecasts or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. It's essential to ensure clarity by defining the prediction being referenced and avoiding tense agreement errors. Alternatives like "than expected" or "more than anticipated" can be used to adjust the level of formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more than anticipated

Focuses on the idea of something exceeding expectations or prior estimations.

exceeded expectations

Highlights a positive outcome that surpassed what was initially believed possible.

contrary to expectations

Emphasizes a direct opposition between the actual result and the initial forecast.

beyond projections

Indicates that something has gone further than what was initially calculated or estimated.

differed from the forecast

A neutral statement that indicates a discrepancy between the actual result and the prior forecast.

deviated from the prediction

Highlights a departure from a previously made prediction, often suggesting a level of unexpectedness.

ran counter to forecasts

Indicates that the actual outcome was in direct opposition to what was forecasted.

did not align with predictions

Highlights the lack of agreement between the actual result and the predicted outcome.

turned out differently than expected

A general phrase to express a divergence of the real result from initial expectations.

varied from what was foreseen

Focuses on the difference between what occurred and what was anticipated or predicted.

FAQs

How can I use "than predicted" in a sentence?

Use "than predicted" to compare an actual outcome to an expected or forecasted result. For instance, "The company's profits were higher "than predicted", signaling strong growth."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "than predicted"?

You can use phrases such as "than expected", "contrary to expectations", or "more than anticipated" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "than predicted" and "than expected"?

While both phrases are similar, ""than predicted"" often implies a formal forecast or calculation was made, whereas "than expected" can refer to a more general anticipation.

What is the correct way to use "than" in comparisons?

Ensure that "than" is followed by the element to which you are comparing something. For example, "The actual cost was higher "than predicted"" is correct, whereas "The actual cost was higher, then predicted" is incorrect.