a top order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a top order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is of the highest quality or rank, often in contexts related to performance or classification. Example: "The restaurant is known for its top order service, ensuring that every guest feels valued and well taken care of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

A top order that one day contains him and Buttler crackles in a different way.

The Guardian - Sport

For Surrey, he has played sometimes as a top order batsman and sometimes as a specialist spinner.

The Guardian - Sport

This England side reminds me of the 1980s India side, which had only two world-class players - a top order batsman and an all-rounder.

The Guardian - Sport

Brent Bozell, president of the Media Research Center, a conservative group, called it a "top order of business" to determine Ms. Palin's future role.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, in his two matches in this series, he bowled like a top order batsman and batted like a specialist spinner.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a batsman who remains pretty much as he always was, an upright, crisp-striking left-hander, well equipped to add a little watchful elegance to a top order currently loaded with nudgers, shovellers and back-foot gliders.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"It was nice to go through the gate of a top-order batsman," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

A winger and a top-order bat, his was a Boy's Own life.

The Guardian - Sport

Joe Burns, Brisbane Heat's so called "young gun" right-hander, is touted as a top-order target.

Independent

More than mere numbers: the impact of lethal control on the social stability of a top-order predator.

Nature

As a top-order batsman you've never got enough runs and it's something I'm looking to put right in this Test match".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a batting lineup in cricket, ensure that you provide context, such as the team name or the specific series, for clarity: "England's "a top order" struggled against the Australian pace attack".

Common error

Avoid using "a top order" in contexts where priority or importance is implied, but a hierarchical structure or sequence is not intended. Instead, opt for phrases like "a high priority" or "a key concern."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a top order" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used adjectivally to describe something of high rank or importance, or to refer specifically to the top batsmen in cricket. Ludwig's examples highlight this dual usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a top order" is a grammatically sound phrase commonly used in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in sports reporting to denote leading batsmen or in business and politics to indicate high priority. While its register is generally neutral, appropriate context is essential to ensure clarity. Alternatives such as "a high priority" or "a leading position" can be used depending on the intended meaning. The best practice is to provide clear context, especially in cricket, to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a high priority

This alternative focuses on the level of importance or urgency.

a leading position

This phrase indicates a position of prominence or influence.

a primary concern

This suggests something is of utmost importance and needs attention.

an elite group

This phrase emphasizes a group of highly skilled or successful individuals.

a first-rate team

This alternative implies excellence in teamwork and performance.

a foremost rank

This phrase points to the highest level in a hierarchy or classification.

a superior level

This refers to a higher quality or grade compared to others.

a crucial aspect

This alternative signifies something vital and essential.

a key element

This suggests something is fundamental and necessary for success.

a significant factor

This highlights the importance and influence of something.

FAQs

How is "a top order" used in cricket?

In cricket, "a top order" refers to the first few batsmen in a team's batting lineup, typically those who bat at positions 1 to 4. They are expected to score the majority of the runs.

What does "a top order of business" mean?

The phrase "a top order of business" signifies something that is of the highest priority or importance and needs to be addressed urgently.

What are some alternatives to "a top order" when referring to importance?

You can use alternatives like "a high priority", "a primary concern", or "a crucial aspect" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a top order"?

Yes, "a top order" is grammatically correct. The correctness hinges on the context. The Ludwig AI validates the phrase, and the search results show it is typically used when referring to the batting lineup in cricket, or the high importance of a task.