a chart-topper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chart-topper" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a song or album that has reached the top position on music charts. An example: "Her latest single became a chart-topper within weeks of its release." Alternative expressions include "a hit" and "a number one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Secret Heart" was  a chart-topper for Feist, but not for Sexsmith.

The New Yorker

In each territory he is a chart-topper: USA, latin America, Mexico, Europe, UK.

The Guardian

For context, iTunes is available in 119 countries; the only places Adele's album isn't a chart-topper on the service include Kyrgyzstan, Niger, Anguilla, and Burkina-Faso.

Independent

It means he has outstripped both the perennially successful Jacqueline Wilson and Suzanne Collins, whose Hunger Games trilogy has been a chart-topper for the last few years.

The Guardian - Books

Could that be the thumping bass of Sisqo's "Thong Song" -- a chart-topper since March -- piped through the sound system at the local mall?

The New York Times - Style

Now she is a chart-topper and pop-culture personality, a gossip page staple thanks to her mouthy tone and her engagement to the similarly raunchy British comedian Russell Brand; you can follow their relationship on Twitter.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Mr. Sheeran is also a chart topper, though of a different sort.

The New York Times - Arts

Ian refused, and the record was a hit, but not a chart topper.

The Guardian - Music

Amazingly, this signature tune, a chart topper even in cover versions by Roger Williams and a surprisingly faithful Vic Reeves almost didn't make the final cut.

The Guardian - Music

Or you can always resort to buying an album that was a chart topper on a significant date (note to those born the week of June 29 , 1991 you're getting "Slave to the Grind" by Skid Row).

The New York Times - Tech

"Night Work," due Tuesday from Downtown Records, is a return to Scissor Sisters' dingier clubland roots, before the band became a chart topper in Europe and a cult favorite in the United States.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a chart-topper" when you want to emphasize a song or album's achievement of reaching the highest position on music charts. It adds a touch of formality and professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using "a chart-topper" for songs that have only achieved moderate success. Reserve it for those that have truly reached the pinnacle of popularity on recognized charts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chart-topper" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or object. It identifies something (usually a song or album) that has achieved the highest ranking on a music chart. Ludwig confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a chart-topper" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a song or album that has reached the number one position on a music chart. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is frequently found in news and media contexts, signifying its neutral formality. Alternative expressions include "number one hit", "top of the charts" and "hit song". When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the song or album's achievement of reaching the top spot on a recognized music chart.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

number one hit

Replaces "chart-topper" with a more direct reference to ranking and popularity.

top of the charts

Indicates the highest position in music charts, similar to being a chart-topper.

hit song

Highlights the success of a song without specifying its exact chart position.

smash hit

Emphasizes a song's massive popularity and success.

chart success

Focuses on the achievement of high chart positions.

bestselling single

Indicates a high volume of sales, leading to chart success.

leading the charts

Highlights the act of being in the top position.

topping the charts

Similar to "leading the charts", this emphasizes reaching the highest rank.

most popular song

Focuses on widespread popularity without explicitly mentioning chart rankings.

blockbuster hit

Implies extremely high popularity and commercial success.

FAQs

How can I use "a chart-topper" in a sentence?

You can use "a chart-topper" to describe a song or album that has reached the number one position on a music chart. For example, "Her latest single became "a chart-topper" within weeks of its release."

What are some alternatives to using "a chart-topper"?

Alternatives include "number one hit", "top of the charts", or "hit song", depending on the context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the chart-topper" instead of "a chart-topper"?

While "a chart-topper" refers to any song or album that reaches the top, "the chart-topper" typically refers to the specific song or album that is currently at the top of the charts at a given time.

What distinguishes "a chart-topper" from a regular "hit song"?

While both terms indicate success, ""a chart-topper"" specifically signifies reaching the number one position on a recognized music chart, while a ""hit song"" simply indicates a high degree of popularity and commercial success, without necessarily topping the charts.