What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
outpace
Example
The company's profits are outpacing their competitors this quarter. [outpacing: present participle]
Example
The athlete outpaced his opponents in the race. [outpaced: past tense]
exceed
Example
The cost of the project exceeded our budget. [exceeded: past tense]
Example
Her performance on the exam exceeded our expectations. [exceeded: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exceed is more commonly used than outpace in everyday language. Exceed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while outpace is less common and is typically used in specific situations where speed and progress are emphasized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between outpace and exceed?
Exceed is generally considered more formal than outpace. While outpace is typically used in informal or casual contexts, exceed can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
