a foremost authority

USAGE SUMMARY

"a foremost authority" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone who is highly knowledgeable, respected, and influential in a particular field or topic. Example: Professor Smith is widely recognized as a foremost authority in the field of linguistics, having published numerous groundbreaking studies and receiving numerous accolades for her contributions to the field.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

July 16, 1860 Randers, Denmark April 30, 1943 Roskilde, Denmark Otto Jespersen, in full Jens Otto Harry Jespersen (born July 16, 1860, Randers, Den. died April 30, 1943, Roskilde) Danish linguist and a foremost authority on English grammar.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stevens, a foremost authority on Aikido has written over thirty books on Buddhism, Aikido and Asian culture.

Huffington Post

Professor X, with his cohorts the superhuman Beast (Nicholas Hoult) and Havok (Lucas Till) who generates powerful plasma blasts, along with a Dr. Moira MacTaggart (Rose Byrne), a foremost authority on human genetic mutation, is out to stop Apocalypse.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Social media outlets, both large and small, are thrilled about this and typically encourage the behavior by developing plugins and tools, like video sharing, that make it possible to turn anyone with a smartphone into the foremost authority on an unraveling situation.

Huffington Post

LETTER FROM MEXICO about Mexican cookbook author Diana Kennedy... Kennedy, is a cook, writer, and foremost authority on Mexican food... Writer tells about a demonstration of a recipe in Kennedy's impressive kitchen... Kennedy is known for her tetchiness as much as for her wit... Diana Southwood first arrived in Mexico in 1957.

The New Yorker

By Alma Guillermoprieto The New Yorker, August 19 , 2002P. 98 LETTER FROM MEXICO about Mexican cookbook author Diana Kennedy... Kennedy, is a cook, writer, and foremost authority on Mexican food... Writer tells about a demonstration of a recipe in Kennedy's impressive kitchen... Kennedy is known for her tetchiness as much as for her wit... Diana Southwood first arrived in Mexico in 1957.

The New Yorker

In Mexico, my native country, I joined a modern-dance company at… LETTER FROM MEXICO about Mexican cookbook author Diana Kennedy... Kennedy, is a cook, writer, and foremost authority on Mexican food... Writer tells about a demonstration….

The New Yorker

Lewisohn is an all-knowing figure; the subject's foremost authority, a super-fan with skills beyond hyperventilation.

The Guardian - Books

An expansive storyteller with a definite penchant to be the foremost authority in the room, he had an actor's narcissism without an actor's talent.

The New York Times

SIR JOHN ELLIOTT, a British historian and the foremost authority on Spain's imperial apogee in the 16th and 17th centuries, delivered a paper at Santander's Menéndez Pelayo University this summer in which he ventured that "the period between 1975 and 2000 may come to be seen in retrospect as a golden age of Spanish history".

The Economist

"I wonder if I might ask a few questions of America's foremost authority on pitching," I said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a foremost authority" to describe someone widely acknowledged and respected for their deep knowledge in a particular field.

Common error

Avoid using "a foremost authority" if the individual's expertise is not widely recognized or if their claims are disputed within the field.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a foremost authority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive to identify or describe an individual who is highly respected and knowledgeable in a specific field. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a foremost authority" is a noun phrase used to describe someone with exceptional expertise and influence in a specific field. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and typically used in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "a leading expert" or "an eminent scholar" exist, "a foremost authority" emphasizes both expertise and widespread recognition. When using this phrase, ensure the individual's knowledge and standing are genuinely acknowledged within their respective domain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recognized authority

Emphasizes the recognition of expertise by others.

a leading expert

Focuses on expertise more than authority.

an eminent scholar

Focuses specifically on academic or scholarly expertise.

a top expert

More informal, emphasizing high-level expertise.

a celebrated expert

Highlights widespread admiration and recognition of expertise.

a principal figure

Similar to "a major figure", but slightly more formal.

a major figure

Highlights prominence and influence.

an accomplished master

Highlights skill and achievement.

a key person

Emphasizes importance and centrality.

a dominant expert

Suggests expertise and control over a subject or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a foremost authority" in a sentence?

You can use "a foremost authority" to describe someone with recognized expertise, as in "Dr. Smith is "a foremost authority" on climate change".

What are some alternatives to "a foremost authority"?

Alternatives include "a leading expert", "a top expert", or "an eminent scholar", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a foremost authority" in formal writing?

Yes, "a foremost authority" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when referring to someone with widely acknowledged expertise in a specific field.

What distinguishes "a foremost authority" from simply "an expert"?

"A foremost authority" suggests a higher level of recognition and influence compared to a general "expert", indicating someone at the very top of their field.