than we predicted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "than we predicted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing an outcome or result to an expectation or forecast that was made previously. Example: "The results of the experiment were more significant than we predicted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The whole intervention is much more difficult than we predicted".

The New York Times

We stayed well below the $75 dollar limit, and even spent less than we predicted.

Cornell University

"We got to the edge of the cliff faster than we predicted.

The New York Times

We are pulling out one thread at a time, disentangling all these orbits, and it has taken a lot more data and time than we predicted.

University of California, Berkeley

Climate changes and posts on Berkeley Blog and Legal Planet are proving that time is running out faster than we predicted, and Berkeley is the best place in the world to provide the intellectual leadership to protect the human race in order to guarantee an acceptable quality of life for our newest and all future generations.

University of California, Berkeley

"We believe the spacecraft came in at a lower altitude than we predicted," said operational project manager Richard Cook. "Depending on how low that was, it could be the total loss of the mission". The orbiter carried instruments designed to study the atmosphere and the fate of water that was believed to have once pooled in huge oceans on the planet.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

As in the last century, that process is bound to be more protracted and erratic than we predict.

The New Yorker

Bacri measured Dc values two or three orders of magnitude higher than we predict, implying a distribution of wetting liquid different from any we consider.

Chemical Engineering Science

National SIPP analysis from 2001 suggests that prior to the ACA, 55percentt of a cohort of Medicaid enrollees were enrolled for the entire year,iv a smaller share than we predict in California in 2019 under the ACA.

University of California, Berkeley

But the thrill of just about any event usually wears off much sooner than we predict, research by psychologists Daniel Gilbert of Harvard University and Timothy Wilson of the University of Virginia has found.

Harvard University

If we grow faster than we predict then we can easily get out of sharing".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "than we predicted" when you want to emphasize a discrepancy between a forecast or expectation and the actual outcome. This adds a layer of analysis and reflection to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses within the "we predicted" clause. Ensure the tense aligns with the timeframe of the prediction and the outcome you are comparing it to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "than we predicted" functions as a comparative element, typically used to contrast an actual result or situation with a previous forecast or expectation. It introduces a sense of surprise or adjustment in light of new information. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

30%

Academia

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "than we predicted" is a grammatically sound comparative phrase used to highlight differences between outcomes and prior expectations. It is most commonly found in news, scientific and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and its usage is reinforced by examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and Forbes. When using the phrase, ensure correct tense usage to maintain clarity and accuracy. Alternatives include phrases like "exceeded our expectations" and "differed from our anticipation", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

differed from our anticipation

Suggests a divergence from what was foreseen or expected.

not what we envisioned

Indicates that the final state was different from what was initially imagined.

exceeded our expectations

Indicates the outcome was better than expected.

beyond our initial estimates

Highlights that the actual figures were greater than the preliminary calculations.

surpassed our projections

Refers to a more formal prediction that was outperformed.

contrary to our forecasts

Emphasizes that the actual results were different from the initial predictions.

ran counter to our outlook

Expresses an unexpected or opposing trend.

took us by surprise

Highlights the unexpectedness of the situation.

unforeseen circumstances arose

Focuses on unexpected events impacting an outcome.

happened unexpectedly

Emphasizes the surprise element of an outcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "than we predicted" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "than we anticipated" or "than we forecast". These options convey a sense of professional assessment.

Is it correct to say "more than we predicted" or "greater than we predicted"?

Both are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the context. Use "more than we predicted" for quantities or amounts. "Greater than we predicted" is suitable for values or levels.

What's the difference between "than we predicted" and "than we expected"?

"Than we predicted" implies a formal projection or calculation. "Than we expected" is more general and can refer to informal anticipation or assumptions. Use "than we predicted" when referring to the results of a study for example.

How to use "than we predicted" in a sentence about financial forecasting?

Example: "The company's revenue growth was significantly higher "than we predicted" in our initial financial model, indicating a strong market performance."