a top student

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a top student" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a student who excels academically or performs at a high level in their studies. Example: "She was recognized as a top student in her graduating class for her outstanding grades and dedication to her studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She had been a top student, with so many dreams.

The New York Times

Ms. Han describes Caroline as a top student.

The New Yorker

She wasn't a top student, but she was a serious girl who always did her assignments.

The New Yorker

Alissa was a top student at Delphian, but she found herself moving away from the church.

The New Yorker

Kolya was an exemplary Soviet boy, winning awards at school as a top student.

The New Yorker

Moving 50 miles, or hundreds of miles, away from home was no longer deeply unusual for a top student.

The New York Times

In her ruling, Judge Wolfson nevertheless made a larger point about the insidious effects of naming a top student.

The New Yorker

At school, she had met Priyabhanshu Ranjan, a top student whose family was from a middle-upper caste, the Kayastha.

The New York Times

Summers told me that he wasn't a top student, that he devoted too much time to the debating team.

The New Yorker

John G. Roberts Jr. was a top student at Harvard and went on to clerk at the Supreme Court.

The New York Times

The smartest young person I know, a top student at a major, prestigious law school, cannot get a job.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a top student", provide specific examples of their achievements, such as awards, high grades, or notable projects, to add credibility and depth to the description.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a top student" repetitively without providing specific details or context. This can make your writing sound generic and less impactful. Instead, vary your language and offer concrete examples to illustrate the student's abilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a top student" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying the noun "student". It serves to identify a student who excels academically and performs at a high level. Ludwig AI validates this with numerous examples from varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a top student" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a student who excels academically. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like ""an outstanding student"" or ""a high-achieving student"" exist, "a top student" remains a straightforward and easily understood choice. When using this phrase, providing specific examples of the student's accomplishments can enhance its impact. Avoiding overuse and ensuring context are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an outstanding student

Replaces "top" with "outstanding", emphasizing exceptional qualities.

a high-achieving student

Focuses on the student's accomplishments and successes.

an excellent scholar

Highlights the student's scholarly abilities and dedication.

a brilliant learner

Emphasizes intellectual capabilities and learning aptitude.

a first-rate pupil

Uses "first-rate" to indicate high quality performance in studies.

a remarkable academic

Focuses on overall academic performance and exceptional qualities.

a gifted student

Highlights inherent talent and natural abilities.

an accomplished learner

Highlights the completion of goals and tasks with success.

a meritorious student

Emphasizes deservingness and worthiness based on academic achievements.

an exemplary student

Highlights the student as a role model and their outstanding qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "a top student" in a sentence?

You can use "a top student" to describe someone who excels academically. For instance, "She is "a top student" and consistently achieves high grades."

What are some alternatives to "a top student"?

Alternatives include "an outstanding student", "a high-achieving student", or "an excellent scholar". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a top student" or "an excellent student"?

Both phrases are correct, but "an excellent student" might sound slightly more formal. "A top student" is more common and widely understood.

What qualities define "a top student"?

A "top student" typically demonstrates strong academic performance, dedication to learning, excellent study habits, and a proactive approach to their education.