10 Synonyms for “Above and Beyond”

It’s important to recognize and communicate when someone does exceptionally well as work. The phrase “Above and Beyond” is often used, but there are many other ways to say the same thing.

This article lists ten alternatives to help you diversify your language in the workplace. Each one is suited for different scenarios and keeps your messages fresh and impactful.

Is It Professional to Say “Above and Beyond”?

The phrase “above and beyond” is widely considered to be professional, formal, and polite. It communicates a sense of going the extra mile or doing more than what’s expected.

The phrase “above and beyond” fits well within written communications like emails, letters, and performance reviews, as well as verbal appreciations during meetings. This phrase can smoothly blend into both peer-to-peer and management communications, making it versatile for various professional settings.

Email example:

Dear Emily,

I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the exceptional effort you've put into the recent project. Your willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty has not gone unnoticed, and it’s greatly appreciated by both the team and our clients.

Warm regards,
Alex

Pros:

• Expresses a high level of appreciation and recognition.
• Helps to motivate and encourage further effort.
• Considered polite and professional across various contexts.

Cons:

• Could be seen as overused or cliché in some contexts.
• May not always convey the specific degree of effort or achievement.
• Could be interpreted differently based on cultural or individual perspectives.

While “above and beyond” is a fitting phrase for many situations, someone might seek alternatives for a couple of reasons. Firstly, to avoid the possibility of it sounding cliché due to frequent use in similar contexts. Secondly, to tailor the expression of gratitude or recognition to match the specific nature of the accomplishment more closely.

10 Other Ways to Say “Above and Beyond”

Looking for a way to diversify your professional language? Here are ten common alternatives to “Above and Beyond” that are perfect for professional emails in a workplace environment:

1. Going the extra mile

This phrase is similar to “Above and Beyond” but adds a touch of informality. It fits perfectly in professional messages where there’s a focus on personal effort. “Going the extra mile” suggests a significant personal commitment. We recommend this alternative for its ability to convey hard work and dedication without feeling overly formal. It’s ideal for recognizing individual effort in any professional communication.

It works well with colleagues and team members, especially in emails or messages that aim to appreciate or motivate. The versatility of this phrase allows for its use across various professional scenarios.

Email example:

Dear Mark,

Thank you for going the extra mile on the recent project. Your dedication reflects greatly on our team’s success.

Best,
Linda

2. Exceeding expectations

When comparing this alternative to “Above and Beyond,” “Exceeding expectations” leans more towards a formal side. It’s widely accepted in professional contexts for evaluating performance above the standard level. This phrase is particularly useful when giving feedback or writing evaluations. We recommend it for messages that need to express recognition of surpassing an established benchmark.

This alternative is best suited for use in performance reviews, emails to team members, or communications with clients to highlight achievements.

Email example:

Dear Sarah,

Your work on the recent campaign has been impressive, exceeding expectations in every way.

Regards,
Tom

3. Surpassing standards

“Surpassing standards” is an excellent professional synonym that conveys a high level of achievement relative to established norms. It’s slightly more formal and quite specific, making it perfect for professional contexts where standards or benchmarks are clearly defined. This alternative shines in situations where the standard is known and the achievement goes beyond that. It’s also a polite way to commend someone’s work.

It’s particularly fitting for communications with peers or reports in a professional setting, emphasizing the surpassing of known benchmarks.

Email example:

Dear Jason,

Congratulations on surpassing standards with your recent project outcomes.

Best wishes,
Emily

4. Outperforming expectations

This phrase suggests not just meeting but exceeding what was anticipated. “Outperforming expectations” is professional, formal, and used to explicitly recognize when someone or something achieves more than was foreseen. It’s an excellent choice for acknowledging outstanding performance, especially in reviews or commendation emails. This phrase is very polite and conveys respect and admiration for the recipient’s effort.

Suitable for use in feedback communications, performance evaluations, or congratulatory messages within a professional environment.

Email example:

Dear Kevin,

Your innovative approach led to outperforming expectations in our latest project. Excellent work!

Sincerely,
Diane

5. Overdelivering

“Overdelivering” is more informal than “Above and Beyond” but retains a professional context. It directly addresses the act of delivering more than what was promised or expected. This phrase is particularly effective in settings where exceeding commitments or promises is highlighted. It’s a polite, albeit casual way to recognize someone’s willingness to provide more value than expected.

This alternative is best used in emails or messages to team members or clients, praising them for going beyond the agreed expectations.

Email example:

Dear Olivia,

Your commitment to overdelivering on client expectations has made a significant impact on our success.

Kind regards,
Henry

6. Beyond the call of duty

“Beyond the call of duty” is a time-tested formal phrase that expresses that someone did much more than what their job or situation requires. It has a professional and polite tone, making it suitable for recognizing exceptional effort and dedication. This phrase is perfect for instances where an individual’s actions significantly exceed their responsibilities. It’s usually used in gratitude or appreciation messages.

Especially suitable for military, emergency services, or any professional context to acknowledge extraordinary contributions or sacrifices.

Email example:

Dear Alison,

The dedication you showed by going beyond the call of duty during the crisis was truly admirable.

With gratitude,
Frank

7. Setting a new benchmark

This alternative places emphasis on establishing a new standard of excellence, which is both formal and professional. It is polite and conveys a sense of pioneering or trailblazing performance. “Setting a new benchmark” is ideal for situations where the achievement has not just surpassed the standard but has also established a new one for others to follow. This phrase is recommended for messages that aim to celebrate groundbreaking achievements.

Great for communication with teams or individuals who have achieved significant milestones, in internal newsletters, or award recognition emails.

Email example:

Dear Team,

Your work has truly been groundbreaking, setting a new benchmark for others in our field.

Cheers,
Hannah

8. Breaking new ground

This synonym conveys the idea of doing something innovative or unprecedented. “Breaking new ground” has a professional tone that leans towards the formal side. It’s customarily used in contexts where new methodologies, ideas, or projects are being introduced. This alternative is polite and promotes the sense of exploration and innovation. It is well-suited for congratulating someone on pioneering achievements.

This is ideal for messages to innovators, research teams, or project groups that have introduced novel solutions or ideas.

Email example:

Dear Carla,

Congratulations on breaking new ground with your research. Your findings open up new possibilities for us all.

Warm regards,
Steve

9. Raising the bar

The phrase “Raising the bar” indicates elevating standards or expectations. It is professional, slightly informal, and aims to appreciate or acknowledge the establishment of a new level of excellence. This alternative is fantastic for scenarios where the focus is on improving quality, efficiency, or performance. It’s a polite way to commend advancements and encourage continued growth.

This phrase works best in communications intended to motivate teams or individuals, like in motivational speeches, team meetings, or performance evaluations.

Email example:

Dear Rachel,

Your exceptional performance this quarter is truly raising the bar for the entire team.

Regards,
Jeff

10. A cut above

“A cut above” speaks to someone or something being significantly better than the rest. It’s a bit more informal but maintains a professional essence. This phrase is a succinct, polite way to compliment someone’s exceptional skills or achievements. It’s best used when you want to highlight superiority in a concise manner. This alternative is effective in direct communication, like feedback or acknowledgment messages.

It’s excellent for personal emails or messages to individuals whose performance or contribution you wish to single out for praise.

Email example:

Dear Greg,

Your strategic insights have consistently been a cut above, setting you apart as a leader in our team.

Best,
Natalie

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right way to express appreciation and acknowledgment in the workplace matters. The ten alternatives to “Above and Beyond” provided here offer a variety of options for different professional settings and messages. By using these synonyms, you can make your communication more effective and tailored to the situation.