Are you meeting expectations or exceeding them? When it comes to setting goals and achieving success, the words “meet” and “exceed” are often used interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences between the two that can make a big impact on your results.
So, which of the two is the proper word? The answer is both. Meet means to fulfill or satisfy a requirement or expectation, while exceed means to go beyond what is expected or required.
When you meet expectations, you are doing what is required of you. You are fulfilling your responsibilities and meeting the standards that have been set. This is a good thing, as it shows that you are reliable and dependable.
However, if you want to truly excel and stand out from the crowd, you need to exceed expectations. This means going above and beyond what is expected of you. It means setting higher standards for yourself and striving to achieve more than what is required.
Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between meeting and exceeding expectations, and why it is important to strive for excellence in all that you do.
Define Meet
Meeting a requirement or expectation means fulfilling it exactly as it is stated or required. It is the act of reaching a minimum standard or level of performance, without necessarily going beyond it.
For example, if a company sets a minimum sales target of $10,000 per month for its sales team, meeting the target would mean achieving sales of exactly $10,000, while anything less than that would be considered a failure.
In other words, meeting a requirement is simply doing what is necessary to satisfy a particular demand or need, without going above and beyond.
Define Exceed
Exceeding a requirement or expectation means going beyond what is expected or required. It is the act of surpassing a minimum standard or level of performance, and achieving something greater than what was initially expected or required.
For example, if a company sets a sales target of $10,000 per month for its sales team, exceeding the target would mean achieving sales of more than $10,000, such as $12,000 or $15,000.
In other words, exceeding a requirement is doing more than what is necessary to satisfy a particular demand or need, and achieving a level of performance that is higher than what was initially expected or required.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Proper usage of words is essential in effective communication. It is crucial to know the difference between words that may seem similar but have different meanings. One such pair of words are meet and exceed. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words correctly in a sentence.
How To Use Meet In A Sentence
Meet is a verb that means to come face to face with someone or something. It can also mean to fulfill or satisfy a requirement or expectation. Here are some examples of how to use meet in a sentence:
- Let’s meet at the park at 3 pm.
- The company’s sales team will meet with the client tomorrow.
- The restaurant’s food quality did not meet our expectations.
As you can see from the examples, meet can be used to refer to a physical meeting or fulfilling expectations.
How To Use Exceed In A Sentence
Exceed is a verb that means to go beyond a certain limit or expectation. It can also mean to be better than something or someone else. Here are some examples of how to use exceed in a sentence:
- The company’s profits exceeded expectations this quarter.
- The athlete’s performance exceeded everyone’s expectations.
- This car’s speed exceeds the legal limit.
As you can see from the examples, exceed is used to refer to going beyond expectations or limits.
More Examples Of Meet & Exceed Used In Sentences
When it comes to setting expectations, it’s important to understand the difference between meeting them and exceeding them. Here are some examples of how to use “meet” in a sentence:
- The team was able to meet their sales target for the quarter.
- She was able to meet the deadline for the project.
- He always tries to meet the expectations of his clients.
- The company was able to meet the demands of their customers.
- It’s important to meet the basic requirements before moving on to more advanced tasks.
- The candidate was able to meet all the qualifications for the job.
- Let’s schedule a meeting to discuss how we can meet our goals for the year.
- The team was able to meet the challenges of the project head on.
- The company was able to meet the needs of their employees by offering flexible work arrangements.
- She was able to meet the expectations of her boss by delivering high-quality work on time.
On the other hand, here are some examples of how to use “exceed” in a sentence:
- The team was able to exceed their sales target for the quarter.
- She was able to exceed the expectations of her clients by going above and beyond.
- He always tries to exceed the goals that are set for him.
- The company was able to exceed the expectations of their customers by providing exceptional service.
- It’s important to exceed the minimum requirements in order to stand out from the competition.
- The candidate was able to exceed the expectations of the hiring manager during the interview process.
- The team was able to exceed the project goals by delivering ahead of schedule.
- The company was able to exceed the needs of their employees by offering additional benefits and perks.
- She was able to exceed the expectations of her boss by taking on additional responsibilities and delivering exceptional results.
- Let’s aim to exceed our goals for the year by pushing ourselves to do better than we thought possible.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “meet” and “exceed,” many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately to convey the intended message clearly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Using “Meet” When “Exceed” Is Appropriate
One common mistake is using “meet” when “exceed” is the appropriate word. For example, saying “our product meets customer expectations” when the product actually exceeds customer expectations. Using “meet” in this context could imply that the product is just satisfactory, while “exceed” would convey that the product is exceptional.
2. Using “Exceed” When “Meet” Is Appropriate
Conversely, using “exceed” when “meet” is the appropriate word can also lead to confusion. For instance, saying “our product exceeds safety standards” when the product only meets the minimum safety requirements. Using “exceed” in this context could imply that the product is unsafe or unreliable, while “meet” would accurately convey that the product meets the minimum safety requirements.
3. Not Considering The Context
Another common mistake is not considering the context in which the words are used. For example, saying “we exceeded our sales target” without specifying the time frame or target amount could be misleading. It’s essential to provide context to accurately convey the message.
4. Using Both Words In The Same Sentence
Using both “meet” and “exceed” in the same sentence can also be confusing. For instance, saying “our product meets and exceeds customer expectations” could imply that the product only meets some expectations and exceeds others. It’s best to use one word to convey the intended message clearly.
Tips To Avoid Making These Mistakes In The Future
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Understand the difference between “meet” and “exceed” and use them appropriately.
- Consider the context in which you are using the words.
- Avoid using both words in the same sentence.
- Provide specific details to accurately convey the message.
Context Matters
When it comes to setting goals and expectations, choosing between “meet” and “exceed” can greatly depend on the context in which they are used. While both words indicate a level of accomplishment, they can have different connotations and implications that can affect how they are perceived.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts where the choice between “meet” and “exceed” might change:
| Context | Meet | Exceed |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | Meeting customer expectations | Going above and beyond to exceed customer expectations |
| Performance Reviews | Meeting performance goals | Exceeding performance goals |
| Business Proposals | Meeting the minimum requirements of the proposal | Exceeding the minimum requirements and offering additional value |
In each of these contexts, the choice between “meet” and “exceed” can have different implications. For example, in customer service, “exceeding” expectations can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. However, in a performance review, “exceeding” goals may set unrealistic expectations for future performance. In a business proposal, “exceeding” requirements may demonstrate a higher level of expertise and commitment, but may also increase the cost and complexity of the proposal.
Therefore, it is important to consider the context in which “meet” and “exceed” are used and the implications of each choice before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice should align with the goals and values of the individual or organization.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “meet” and “exceed” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind.
1. Contextual Usage
Depending on the context in which they are used, “meet” and “exceed” may not always follow the same rules. For example:
- In sports, “meet” often refers to a scheduled match or competition, while “exceed” may refer to surpassing a previous record or personal best.
- In business, “meet” may refer to fulfilling a contractual obligation, while “exceed” may refer to going above and beyond expectations or goals.
2. Comparative Usage
When used in a comparative sense, the rules for “meet” and “exceed” may also vary. For example:
- If a company’s sales “meet” expectations, it means they have reached the target goal. However, if their sales “exceed” expectations, it means they have surpassed the target goal.
- If a student “meets” the minimum requirements for a course, they have passed. However, if they “exceed” the minimum requirements, they may receive honors or recognition.
3. Idiomatic Usage
Finally, there are some idiomatic expressions in which “meet” and “exceed” are used in unconventional ways. For example:
- “Meet and greet” is a common expression used to describe an informal gathering, while “exceed and succeed” is a play on words used to encourage someone to go above and beyond in their efforts.
- In some contexts, “meet” may be used to imply a minimum requirement, while “exceed” may be used to imply a maximum limit. For example, a job posting may require applicants to “meet” certain qualifications, while a credit card may have a limit that cannot be “exceeded.”
Overall, while the rules for using “meet” and “exceed” are generally consistent, there are some exceptions to keep in mind depending on the context, comparison, or idiomatic expression being used.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of meet and exceed is to practice using them in sentences. Here are some practice exercises to help you do just that:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Complete the following sentences with either meet or exceed:
- The company’s profits ___________ed expectations this quarter.
- We need to ___________ with the client next week to discuss the project.
- The team’s performance ___________ed our wildest dreams.
- Our goal is to ___________ the sales numbers from last year.
Answer Key:
- exceeded
- meet
- exceeded
- exceed
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence:
- The company’s profits ___________ed expectations this quarter.
- a. meet
- b. exceeded
- a. meet
- b. exceed
- a. meet
- b. exceeded
- a. meet
- b. exceed
Answer Key:
- b
- a
- b
- b
By practicing with these exercises, you will become more comfortable using meet and exceed in your writing and conversations. Remember to pay attention to the context of each sentence to choose the appropriate word.
Conclusion
After examining the differences between “meet” and “exceed,” it’s clear that these two words have distinct meanings and applications in the English language. While “meet” indicates a minimum standard has been reached, “exceed” suggests going above and beyond expectations.
It’s important to understand the nuances of these words in order to communicate effectively and accurately in both written and spoken contexts. By using the appropriate word, you can convey your intended meaning with precision and clarity.
Key Takeaways
- “Meet” and “exceed” have different meanings and implications in the English language
- “Meet” indicates a minimum standard has been reached, while “exceed” suggests going beyond expectations
- Using the appropriate word can improve communication and convey intended meaning with precision and clarity
Remember to consider the context and audience when choosing between “meet” and “exceed.” In some situations, meeting expectations may be sufficient, while in others it may be necessary to exceed them in order to stand out or achieve success.
Continuing to learn about grammar and language use can help you improve your communication skills and enhance your professional and personal relationships. Keep exploring the intricacies of the English language to become a more effective and confident communicator.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.