a superior grade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a superior grade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a level of quality or achievement that is higher than average or expected, often in academic or evaluative contexts. Example: "After studying diligently for the exam, she was thrilled to receive a superior grade that reflected her hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He managed to hold his tongue, however, when his daughter, Kay, wrote a term paper during her freshman year in college in which she heaped praise on the T.V.A. and received a superior grade.

The New York Times

When he suggested he might be interested in something more substantial he was referred to another counter, a dozen yards away and there he found barometers of a superior grade and in a higher price bracket.

The New Yorker

Two years ago they joined forces with a company called Newlife, whose founder, Keith Harrison, an industrial chemist, cracked the enigma code of the paint world: how to reprocess waste paint back to a superior grade emulsion.

The Guardian

While those evaluations tend to be symmetrical, it is possible that thesis research earning a superior grade does not, in the assessment of the faculty supervisor, warrant Graduation with Honors.

Cornell University

Over two thousand years ago, Danshen has been categorized as a superior grade herbal medicine by The Divine Husbandman's Classic of Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing), which means that it can be beneficial to human's health and it is safe, even it is taken for a long time [1].

Chemistry Central Journal

Alternatively, impurities arising from these same two amine species, as well as from formamide, within the commercially supplied N-methylformamide could be lessened by accessing a superior grade of this starting reagent.

Analytical Chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Immensely proud of my paper, I triumphantly turned it in and received a superior grade--complete with glowing remarks from my Chilean-American professor.

Huffington Post

Asked to assess Mr. Cheney's performance, Halliburton's vice chairman, Donald Vaughn, said he deserved a "clearly superior" grade.

The New York Times

These peculiar qualities include high gel strength at very low concentrations (a one percent solution of superior grade Gelidium-type agar gels at 35°C to 50°C and melts at 80°C to 100°C), low viscosity in solution and transparency.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Fermented rooibos (superior grade) plant material was a generous gift from Rooibos Limited (Mr Arend Redelinghuys, Clanwilliam, South Africa).

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

* Achieved superior grade averages in school, except when gambling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a superior grade", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being graded, such as a test, assignment, or overall performance. Provide specific details to highlight the achievements.

Common error

Avoid using "a superior grade" in casual conversations. It sounds overly formal and can be replaced with simpler terms like "a great grade" or "a top mark" for better suitability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a superior grade" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "superior" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "grade". It describes the quality or level of the grade achieved. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, signifying high achievement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a superior grade" denotes an above-average level of achievement or quality, particularly in academic or evaluative contexts. While grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's more suited to formal communication. Alternative phrasing such as "an excellent mark" or "a top-notch grade" might be preferable in less formal settings. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in both academic papers and news articles, demonstrating its versatility within professional discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent mark

Emphasizes the high quality of the grade received.

a top-notch grade

Highlights the exceptional quality, implying it's among the best.

a first-rate grade

Similar to 'top-notch' but slightly more formal.

a high-caliber grade

Focuses on the high standard achieved.

a premium grade

Suggests the grade is of the highest market value.

an outstanding grade

Highlights that the grade is noticeably excellent.

a commendable grade

Focuses on the praiseworthy aspect of achieving such a grade.

a noteworthy grade

Emphasizes that the grade is significant and worth mentioning.

a remarkable grade

Highlights the exceptional nature of the grade.

a distinguished grade

Suggests the grade is earned through exceptional merit.

FAQs

What does "a superior grade" mean?

The term "a superior grade" signifies a level of achievement or quality that is higher than average or expected, typically in an academic or evaluative context.

How to use "a superior grade" in a sentence?

You might say, "She received "a superior grade" on her thesis, reflecting her exceptional research and writing skills."

Which is more appropriate, "a superior grade" or "an excellent grade"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "an excellent grade" is more commonly used and may sound less formal than "a superior grade."

What are some alternative ways to describe "a superior grade"?

You can use alternatives like "a top-notch grade", "a first-rate grade", or "an outstanding grade" to convey the same meaning with slightly different emphasis.