to be surpassed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be surpassed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that can be exceeded or outdone by another entity or achievement. Example: "In the world of technology, it is common for one innovation to be surpassed by a newer, more advanced version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is unlikely to be surpassed.

The Economist

Its size is unlikely to be surpassed.

The New York Times - Tech

Marvelously efficient and unlikely ever to be surpassed.

The New York Times

It's a sensitivity not expected to be surpassed for a long time to come.

University of California, Berkeley

His record 23 home runs with the bases loaded is likely to be surpassed, too.

The New York Times

It is the only serious flaw in a biography unlikely to be surpassed for some time.

The New York Times - Books

Every time something astounding is achieved it seems to be surpassed within a few weeks.

The Guardian - Sport

But they are set to be surpassed in size by the middle class sometime in the next three years.

The Economist

"We expect the past year's record-breaking sales volume performance to be surpassed in 2012," he said.

The New York Times

If the rise continues apace, early Holocene temperatures are likely to be surpassed within this century, Dr. Marcott said.

The New York Times - Science

Gold and silver coins of the Gupta period exhibit a refinement that was not to be surpassed for many centuries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be surpassed" to describe situations where a record, achievement, or standard is likely to be exceeded in the future. This highlights the potential for continuous improvement or change.

Common error

Avoid using "to be surpassed" when discussing something intended to be permanent or unchangeable. This phrase implies potential future alteration, which contradicts the idea of permanence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be surpassed" functions as a passive infinitive, often used to indicate the potential for a current achievement or standard to be exceeded in the future. Ludwig examples show it being used in contexts ranging from sports records to scientific achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be surpassed" is a passive infinitive used to denote the possibility of exceeding a current standard or achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse fields, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives such as ""to be exceeded"" or ""to be outdone"" exist, "to be surpassed" is particularly useful for conveying the potential for future advancement. When using this phrase, ensure the context implies potential change rather than permanence to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be exceeded

Focuses on exceeding a limit or quantity, maintaining a high similarity in meaning.

to be outdone

Highlights the act of surpassing in performance or skill, providing a slightly more informal tone.

to be transcended

Emphasizes rising above or beyond limitations, implying a more significant degree of surpassing.

to be outstripped

Stresses the speed and extent of surpassing, suggesting a rapid advancement.

to be eclipsed

Implies being overshadowed or made less significant by something superior, adding a visual metaphor.

to be superseded

Indicates replacement by something newer or more effective, commonly used in technical or formal contexts.

to be bested

Conveys defeating or surpassing in a competitive scenario, implying a struggle.

to be outclassed

Highlights being surpassed in terms of style, elegance, or skill, often in a comparative context.

to be outshone

Focuses on surpassing in brilliance or excellence, often used metaphorically.

to be surmounted

Emphasizes overcoming an obstacle, suggesting the surpassment is a result of difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be surpassed" to indicate that a particular achievement or record is likely to be exceeded in the future. For example: "The current sales record is expected "to be surpassed" next quarter."

What are some alternatives to "to be surpassed"?

Alternatives include "to be exceeded", "to be outdone", or "to be transcended", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "exceeded" or "surpassed"?

Both "exceeded" and "surpassed" can be used to indicate that something is greater than another. However, "surpassed" often implies overcoming a higher standard or expectation. Choose the word that best fits the context of your sentence.

When is it inappropriate to use "to be surpassed"?

It is inappropriate to use "to be surpassed" when referring to something that is intended to be permanent or unchangeable. The phrase implies that future change or improvement is possible.