reserve

[Hanka]

Hi,

could you please tell me whether it is possible to say:

The factors were met with a great reserve in comparison to the plan. (meaning that the plan was exceeded by a large margin).
Or should I say the factors were met by a large margin in comparison to the plan?

Or is there a better way to express this?

Thank you very much.

Hanka

[Anglika]

Of the two, the second would seem to express it better.

[BobK]

Agreed. 'Reserve' usually refers to something not done/spent: 'We plan to spend £1M, but if necessary there is a reserve of $400,000'. So in relation to a plan exceeded I'd expect the word 'margin'.

b