to be outdone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be outdone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing competition or comparison, indicating that someone has been surpassed or exceeded by another. Example: "In the race for the best dessert, she refused to be outdone by her competitors and created a stunning chocolate cake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not to be outdone, Maj.

The New York Times

France was not to be outdone.

The New York Times

Mr. Koch was not to be outdone.

The New York Times

Labour was determined not to be outdone.

The Guardian

Not to be outdone, Democrats are also joining the fray.

The New York Times

Not to be outdone, Watkin's ghost made his presence felt.

The Guardian - Arts

His old employer is not to be outdone either.

The New York Times

Not to be outdone, Paramount may join the party.

The New York Times

Not to be outdone, the guys get even fatter.

The Guardian - Books

Not to be outdone, Smith immediately hit back.

The Guardian

Not to be outdone, the other big network followed suit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes what or whom the subject is trying not to be surpassed by.

Common error

Avoid using "to be outdone" when the subject is simply initiating an action without a comparative or competitive context. The phrase implies a response to someone else's action or achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be outdone" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a determination to avoid being surpassed or outperformed. It often appears after a statement about someone else's action, highlighting a competitive response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0.6%

Academia

0.4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be outdone" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase expressing a desire not to be surpassed or outperformed, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an infinitive phrase emphasizing a competitive response. Predominantly found in News & Media, it carries a neutral to professional tone. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the comparative element and avoid using it in situations lacking a competitive dynamic. Consider alternatives such as "not to be surpassed" or "not to be overshadowed" to fine-tune the intended nuance. Therefore remember that the phrase implies a response to someone else's action or achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unwilling to be outdone

A more explicit and emphatic way of expressing the unwillingness to be surpassed.

Not to be surpassed

Focuses on the act of exceeding or surpassing someone, rather than the desire to avoid it.

Not to be overshadowed

Highlights the aspect of being less prominent or noticeable, shifting the emphasis from direct competition.

Not to be eclipsed

Emphasizes the obscuring or diminishing of importance, suggesting a loss of significance.

Not to be left behind

Conveys a sense of keeping up with progress or avoiding being marginalized, rather than direct rivalry.

Determined to excel

Shifts the focus to striving for excellence, with the implication of surpassing others through superior performance.

Resolved to outperform

Directly states the intention to achieve better results than others, emphasizing a competitive mindset.

Keen to exceed

Highlights the eagerness to surpass a certain standard or achievement, broadening the competitive scope.

Striving for supremacy

Emphasizes the pursuit of a dominant position, suggesting a more ambitious level of competition.

Not to be second-best

Focuses on avoiding a subordinate position, emphasizing the desire for superiority.

FAQs

How can I use "to be outdone" in a sentence?

Use "to be outdone" to show that someone is determined not to be surpassed by someone else. For example, "Not "to be outdone", the other team scored a goal immediately after."

What are some alternatives to "to be outdone"?

Some alternatives include "to be surpassed", "to be eclipsed", or "to be overshadowed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "not to be outdone by"?

Yes, "not to be outdone by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It indicates that someone is making an effort not to be surpassed by a specific person or entity.

What is the difference between "to be outdone" and "to be defeated"?

"To be outdone" implies being surpassed or exceeded in a specific skill or achievement, while "to be defeated" means losing in a competition or conflict. "To be outdone" focuses on comparison, whereas "to be defeated" focuses on outcome.