What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
outpace
Example
The company's sales are outpacing their competitors this quarter. [outpacing: present participle]
Example
The athlete outpaced his opponents and won the race. [outpaced: past tense]
surpass
Example
Her performance in the play surpassed everyone's expectations. [surpassed: past tense]
Example
The new technology surpasses the old one in terms of efficiency and speed. [surpasses: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surpass is more commonly used than outpace in everyday language. Surpass is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while outpace is less common and more specific to situations involving speed or progress.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between outpace and surpass?
Both outpace and surpass are formal words that can be used in professional or academic contexts. However, surpass may be considered slightly more formal due to its versatility and ability to describe excellence or achievement in various fields.
