a prince among

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prince among" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who stands out as exceptional or noble among a group of people. Example: "He is a prince among men, always helping those in need and leading by example."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Reference

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

A prince among thieves.

The New York Times

A prince among men.

The New York Times

You were truly a Prince among Princes.

The New York Times

He is royalty, a prince among men.

The Guardian

Phillips was a prince among them.

The New York Times - Arts

NEWMAN--Charles, a prince among men, peacefully at home at age 93.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Like Marlon Brando in his early roles, he's a man too big for his situation, a prince hiding among commoners.

The New Yorker

Among its chief innovative provisions was the establishment in each principality of a special commission, composed mainly of boyars with some members of the middle class, that was to elect a prince from among the native upper nobility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pope Francis joined the chorus of criticism that include the British and French prime ministers, the Turkish president and a Saudi prince, among others.

Huffington Post

But Sandra's suitor turns out not to be such a prince after all: among his liabilities, Bucky has two other fiancées.

The New York Times - Books

And so he created the story of a prince who lives among his people as a fisherman and - imbued with their national spirit - gives them the strength to see off German invaders.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a prince among" to elevate the description of someone who possesses exceptional qualities, leadership skills, or moral character above their peers.

Common error

Avoid using "a prince among" in trivial situations. This phrase carries a strong connotation of nobility and distinction, so reserve it for genuinely remarkable individuals or entities.

Linguistic Context

"A prince among" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or appositive. Ludwig's examples show it often modifies a noun, highlighting exceptional qualities. It serves to elevate the subject above others in a particular group or category.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Reference

14%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a prince among" is a descriptive phrase used to denote someone or something outstanding within a group, as Ludwig AI confirms. Predominantly found in news and media, it carries a slightly formal tone, expressing admiration or respect. While grammatically correct and commonly used, reserve it for truly remarkable subjects to avoid diluting its impact. Alternative phrases like "a standout among" or "a leader among" offer nuanced ways to convey exceptionalism. Remember to consider context and register for the most effective use of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a standout among

Focuses on the idea of being noticeably better or more prominent within a group.

a leader among

Emphasizes the aspect of guiding or influencing others within the group.

an exemplar among

Highlights the quality of serving as a perfect example or model.

the best of

Simply indicates the highest quality or achievement within a specified set.

a paragon of

Suggests someone or something is a model of excellence or perfection.

a jewel among

Uses a metaphorical comparison to a precious stone to indicate value and rarity.

a luminary in

Highlights someone's brilliance and influence within a particular field.

the cream of the crop

Idiomatic expression denoting the very best individuals or items.

in a class of its own

Indicates something is so unique or superior it cannot be easily compared.

second to none

Emphasizes unparalleled quality or achievement without peer.

FAQs

How can I use "a prince among" in a sentence?

You can use "a prince among" to describe someone who is exceptional within a group. For example: "He was "a prince among men", known for his generosity and kindness."

What does the expression "a prince among" mean?

The expression "a prince among" means that someone is considered outstanding or noble compared to others in their group. It suggests they possess qualities that elevate them above their peers.

What are some alternatives to saying "a prince among"?

Alternatives to "a prince among" include "a standout among", "a leader among", or "an exemplar among". These phrases convey the idea of exceptionalism in different ways.

Is it appropriate to use "a prince among" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate to use "a prince among" in formal writing, but it should be used judiciously. Because this expression carries a strong connotation of respect and admiration, make sure it aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing.