What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
passed
Example
The car passed us on the highway. [passed: verb]
Example
I passed my driving test on the first try. [passed: verb]
Example
Can you pass me the salt, please? [pass: verb]
exceeded
Example
The company's profits exceeded expectations this quarter. [exceeded: verb]
Example
She exceeded her sales target for the month. [exceeded: verb]
Example
The cost of the project exceeded the budget. [exceeded: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Passed is more common in everyday language, while exceeded is more common in professional or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between passed and exceeded?
Exceeded is more formal than passed, and is often used in professional or academic settings.
