Commanding top dollar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Commanding top dollar" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a product, service, or individual that is able to demand a high price due to quality, demand, or reputation. Example: "The artist's latest painting is commanding top dollar at the auction, reflecting its popularity and the artist's growing fame."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Calligraphy is considered a high art form in China, with masterpieces commanding top dollar at auction.

The Washington Post

To be sure, office buildings in midtown Manhattan are still commanding top dollar, many surpassing $100 a square foot.

The Washington Post

Without the consortium's challenge, Celera could be commanding top dollar for its database, knowing customers had no alternative.

The New York Times - Science

Without the consortium's challenge, Celera could be commanding top dollar for its database, knowing customers had no alternative.

The New York Times - Science

Historically, female performers always got bigger pay packets than the men but they're not commanding top dollar as they once did.

Independent

From an overdraft of £2,500 and unpaid bills of £5,000, Edwards was now commanding top dollar, getting paid up to £10,000 an hour to open rides at Alton Towers and Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Naturally the penthouse commands top dollar per square foot.

The New York Times

From historic mansions to contemporary condos, these properties commanded top dollar last year.

The Washington Post

That boom has quieted, though oceanfront or ocean-view houses still command top dollar, agents say.

The New York Times - Travel

SMARTCOMPANY Tudor Still Commands Top Dollar | In response to client complaints, Paul Tudor Jones has cut certain fees charged by his biggest hedge fund.

The New York Times

To make these projects work, developers say, the market-rate rentals have to command top dollar from the day the doors open.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commanding top dollar" when you want to emphasize that something's value or demand allows it to be sold at the highest possible price. It implies a level of desirability or quality that justifies the high cost.

Common error

While "commanding top dollar" is widely understood, avoid using it in overly casual conversations. It’s more appropriate for business reports, news articles, or formal discussions about value and pricing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commanding top dollar" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence to describe something that is able to achieve a high price due to its desirability, quality, or scarcity. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commanding top dollar" is a versatile phrase, that, according to Ludwig, indicates the ability of a product, service, or individual to fetch a high price due to factors like quality, demand, or reputation. It is grammatically correct, used mainly in news and media and business contexts. While examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post confirm its appropriate usage, remember to consider your audience and context, keeping in mind that using it properly requires a level of formality. Alternatives such as "fetching a premium price" or "demanding a high price" can provide similar emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Getting top dollar

Simple and direct alternative focusing on receiving the highest possible payment.

Commanding a premium

Indicates the ability to secure a price above the standard.

Fetching a premium price

Emphasizes the act of receiving a high price, often suggesting exclusivity.

Demanding a high price

Focuses on the ability to ask for and get a substantial amount.

Bringing in top revenue

Highlights the financial aspect of generating significant income.

Garnering significant value

Emphasizes the value obtained, rather than just the price.

Drawing top bids

Highlights competitive bidding and the resulting high prices.

Attracting high offers

Focuses on the interest and bids received due to desirability.

Yielding substantial returns

Focuses on the returns or benefits gained, not just the initial price.

Realizing maximum profit

Emphasizes profit over simply achieving a high price.

FAQs

How can I use "commanding top dollar" in a sentence?

You might say, "Oceanfront properties are "commanding top dollar" due to their limited availability and high demand" or "That rare stamp is "commanding top dollar" among collectors".

What's the difference between "fetching a premium price" and "commanding top dollar"?

"Fetching a premium price" emphasizes the result of selling at a high price, while ""commanding top dollar"" suggests the inherent quality or desirability that allows the high price to be demanded.

What are some synonyms for "commanding top dollar"?

Alternatives include "fetching a premium price", "demanding a high price", or "getting top dollar", each with slightly different nuances.

Is "commanding top dollar" formal or informal?

The phrase ""commanding top dollar"" leans towards formal or professional contexts, suitable for business, real estate, or finance discussions, but less appropriate for casual conversation.