a category above

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a category above" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is superior or of a higher classification compared to others. Example: "In terms of quality, this product is in a category above its competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"If there's a category above great, that's where we are," he said on Wednesday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Having said this, I do want to claim that the blogs listed in the "Amateurs" category above are a better source for information about science.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The first category above will be ascertained by document retrieval on site, backed up by interviews with vendors.

BMC Health Services Research

His record of arrests for antagonizing authority is by itself enough to put him in a category far above extraordinary.

Huffington Post

Positive z GO values indicate that a category has above average substitution and negative values indicate below average substitution.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

While the four categories above make up a huge portion of the budget, stopping government expansion, at least in word, is decidedly Reagan-esque.

Huffington Post

Since my whole life is about getting a laugh, to have something come along that creates a new category above everything else, that kind of stopped me in my tracks".

The New York Times - Arts

The four categories above make up what the White House budget office considers total spending on "national defense".

Huffington Post

These were coded into three categories: above average (excellent, very good), average (good), and below average (average, poor).

BMC Public Health

In her books just as in her conversation, her mind wanders freely, practicing the "intertexuality" that she preaches, refusing to be trapped in an intellectual category, above all keeping a distance from dogma, whether literary, religious or political.

The New York Times - Arts

Does this put me in an elite category above others?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a category above", ensure that the context clearly defines the categories being compared. This helps to emphasize the superior nature of the subject being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "a category above" when the difference is negligible or subjective. The phrase implies a significant and demonstrable advantage, so misuse can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a category above" functions as a qualifier, indicating that something belongs to a superior class or level when compared to others. It highlights a distinction in quality, performance, or status, as seen in the example from Ludwig: "If there's a category above great, that's where we are."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a category above" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. While relatively rare, it effectively conveys the idea of something being superior or of a higher classification. It is most commonly found in news, science, and business contexts. Remember to use it when a clear and demonstrable advantage exists, and be mindful of clearly defining the categories being compared. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility in various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a higher classification

This phrase directly replaces 'category' and 'above' with 'classification' and 'higher', maintaining a formal tone.

a superior grade

This phrase replaces 'category' with 'grade' and 'above' with 'superior', both indicating higher quality.

a better class

This alternative replaces 'category' with 'class', suggesting a superior group or type.

of a higher caliber

This phrase emphasizes the quality and standard of something being superior.

a cut above

This is an idiomatic expression meaning superior or better than others of its kind.

top-tier

This is a succinct adjective indicating the highest level or rank.

a notch higher

This alternative uses 'notch' to indicate a step or level above the current one.

a step up

This alternative indicates an improvement or advancement to a higher level.

in a league of its own

This phrase suggests that something is so exceptional that it cannot be compared to others.

pre-eminent

This term signifies being superior or surpassing all others, indicating the highest rank or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "a category above" in a sentence?

You can use "a category above" to describe something that surpasses expectations or performs at a higher level than its counterparts. For example, "In terms of innovation, this company is "a category above" its competitors".

What are some alternatives to saying "a category above"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a superior grade", "a higher classification", or "a cut above", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a category above" in formal writing?

Yes, "a category above" can be used in formal writing, but ensure the context warrants the comparison. Using "of a higher caliber" might be a more formal alternative in some cases.

What's the difference between "a category above" and "better than"?

"A category above" implies a more significant difference than simply "better than". It suggests a leap in quality or performance, whereas "better than" can refer to minor improvements.