a high

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a high" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe a level or degree of something that is above average or expected. Example: The temperature reached a high of 95 degrees today.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A high fever struck.

The New York Times

"There's a high intelligence.

The New York Times

A high, hollow note.

The New Yorker

It's a high.

The New York Times - Arts

a High school.

The New York Times

That's a high standard.

The New York Times

A high point.

The New York Times

A high completion percentage.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a high, insistent beep.

The New York Times

It was a high honor.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A high-risk gamble.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a high" to describe a measurement, specify the unit of measurement for clarity. For example, "a high temperature of 90 degrees" is more informative than just "a high temperature".

Common error

Avoid using "a high" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing when more descriptive or nuanced language would be more appropriate. Relying too much on this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a high" functions primarily as a modifier, often preceding a noun to indicate an elevated degree, level, or intensity of the noun it describes. This is evident in examples from Ludwig such as "a high fever", "a high standard", or "a high completion percentage".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

34%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a high" is a versatile modifier used to denote an elevated degree or level of something. It is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. The phrase is prevalent in news, wiki and scientific sources, showcasing its broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, opting for more descriptive language in informal settings where appropriate. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the phrase's function in emphasizing significance or intensity and can guide effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an elevated

Focuses on the increased level or position of something.

a tall

Emphasizes the vertical dimension or height.

a peak

Highlights the maximum point or apex of something.

a superior

Indicates a higher quality or rank.

an extreme

Stresses the intensity or extremity of something.

a substantial

Highlights the large amount or degree.

a notable

Emphasizes the significance or prominence.

a major

Focuses on the importance or scale.

a prime

Highlights the best or most important aspect.

a top

Indicates the highest position or rank.

FAQs

How can I use "a high" in a sentence?

You can use "a high" to describe levels, such as "a high temperature", achievements, such as "a high score", or qualities, such as "a high level of intelligence".

What are some alternatives to "a high"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "a high" include "an elevated", "a substantial", or "a peak".

Is it correct to say "the high" instead of "a high"?

The correctness depends on the context. "A high" refers to a particular instance or level, while "the high" typically refers to a general state or condition, or the highest point previously mentioned. For example, "a high score" versus "the high point of his career".

What's the difference between "a high level" and "high level"?

"A high level" refers to a specific instance of something being at an elevated degree. "High level" is often used as a compound adjective, such as in "high-level meeting" or "high-level overview", without the article.