Which phrase means 'in excess of'?

• A. in excess of
• B. above
• C. over
• D. beyond

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how to express “more than” in formal, precise language. “In excess of” literally means greater than a stated amount and is used to set a clear numerical threshold. Because of its exact, formal tone, it unambiguously communicates that a quantity exceeds a specific limit, which is why it’s the best choice in contexts like contracts, reports, or financial statements.

Other options can convey similar ideas in everyday or broader contexts, but they’re not as precise across all uses. “Above” is often about position or rank rather than a strict numeric threshold. “Over” is common in casual speech with numbers but can be less formal and occasionally carries other senses (like physically covering). “Beyond” suggests going further than a limit in a broader sense, not always tied to a specific quantity.

So, the phrase that directly means “more than” in a formal, unambiguous way is the one that matches the meaning exactly.