High distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

"high distinction" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use "high distinction" to describe someone's exceptional achievement or performance in a particular area, such as academics, sports, or work. It is often used when someone's performance stands out above others, or when they receive top marks or honors. Example: Sarah received a high distinction for her research paper on climate change.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

She graduated with high distinction from the University of Michigan.

The New York Times

He graduated with high distinction from the University of Michigan.

The New York Times - Style

The couple graduated from Duke, she with high distinction.

The New York Times

He received an M.B.A. with high distinction from Harvard.

The New York Times

He graduated with high distinction, she with distinction.

The New York Times

In 1950, he earned a degree in mathematics and physical education with high distinction.

The New York Times - Sports

She graduated with high distinction from the University of Virginia and received an M.B.A. from Columbia.

The New York Times

He graduated with high distinction from the University of Michigan, from which he also received a law degree, cum laude, and an M B.A. with high distinction.

The New York Times

What you get: Certificates according to academic performance: completion, distinction, high distinction, highest distinction.

The New York Times

She graduated with high distinction from the University of California at Berkeley.

The New York Times

He graduated with high distinction from the University of Toronto, where he also received a master's degree in history.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "high distinction" to specifically highlight academic achievements or formal recognitions where the level of distinction is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "high distinction" in casual or informal settings; it's best suited for academic or professional contexts. Instead, opt for simpler phrases like "excellent" or "outstanding" in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "high distinction" is to act as a noun phrase describing the level of achievement or performance. As Ludwig shows, it often appears after verbs like 'graduated with' or 'received with', indicating the attainment of a high academic honor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "high distinction" is a commonly used phrase to denote exceptional achievement, primarily in academic and professional settings. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts. Predominantly featured in news and media sources, scientific publications, and formal business documents, the phrase carries a formal tone, signifying superior performance. When using "high distinction", ensure the context aligns with its formal nature, reserving it for situations where significant recognition is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Distinguished performance

Similar in tone, but 'distinguished' can also apply to broader contexts beyond academic.

Exceptional merit

Emphasizes the quality of deserving praise but is less commonly used in academic contexts.

Outstanding achievement

Focuses on accomplishment, but lacks the specific academic connotation.

First-class honors

A more formal and specific academic term, primarily used in the UK.

Top honors

Highlights the honor received, rather than the level of achievement.

Superior accomplishment

Highlights the accomplishment as better than average.

Highest caliber

Emphasizes quality and competence, but may not directly imply academic success.

Remarkable performance

Highlights performance quality but doesn't necessarily imply formal recognition.

Exemplary performance

Focuses on serving as a good example, but the context can be broader.

Great excellence

Focuses on the level of skill or quality achieved, omitting any award or recognition.

FAQs

How is "high distinction" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "high distinction" is used to describe the level of achievement in an academic context. For example, "She graduated with "high distinction" from the University of Michigan."

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "high distinction"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "exceptional merit", "outstanding achievement", or "top honors".

Is it correct to use "high distinction" to describe non-academic achievements?

While "high distinction" is primarily associated with academic or formal achievements, it can be used in other contexts where a significant level of excellence is recognized. However, be mindful of the formality and ensure it fits the tone.

What's the difference between "high distinction" and "distinction" in academic grading?

"Distinction" is a general term for a good grade. "High distinction" indicates a grade at the very top of the scale, signifying exceptional performance above a regular distinction.