What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
outgrew
Example
I outgrew my favorite shirt from last year. [outgrew: past tense]
Example
The company outgrew its small office and had to move to a larger space. [outgrew: past tense]
Example
As a musician, he quickly outgrew his beginner's guitar and needed a more advanced instrument. [outgrew: past tense]
exceeded
Example
The sales team exceeded their quarterly targets by 20%. [exceeded: past tense]
Example
Her performance on the exam exceeded her teacher's expectations. [exceeded: past tense]
Example
The athlete exceeded the world record in the long jump. [exceeded: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exceeded is more commonly used than outgrew in everyday language. Exceeded is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while outgrew is less common and refers to a specific type of growth or development.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between outgrew and exceeded?
Both outgrew and exceeded are relatively formal words and are appropriate for use in both formal and informal contexts.
