among the foremost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "among the foremost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone is among the top or leading entities in a particular field or category. Example: "She is recognized as among the foremost experts in renewable energy technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The leader of Scotland's biggest council pointed to research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation which he said suggested local authorities were "among the foremost casualties of budget cuts".

BBC

Hibs' most successful era by far, was in the decade following the end of the Second World War, when it was "among the foremost clubs in Britain".

Wikipedia

Hennessy is among the foremost fund-raisers in America.

The New Yorker

In legislative circles, he is among the foremost authorities on the issue.

The New Yorker

"But among the foremost of those criteria is what the marketplace will bear".

The New York Times

Sweden soon ranked among the foremost countries in per capita mileage of railroads.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That effort and its successors established White as among the foremost voices in gay fiction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And why was he among the foremost liberal thinkers of the age?

The Economist

The works of Wilson Harris, Edgar Mittelhölzer, Walter Rodney, and A.J. Seymour are among the foremost.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His success in mining that observation has put him among the foremost rainmakers at the Harvard Business School.

The New York Times

Throughout his career, and particularly in recent years, he's shown himself to be among the foremost proponents of these values.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "among the foremost", ensure that the context clearly establishes the field or group being referenced. This provides a frame of reference for the reader to understand the significance of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "among the foremost" in casual or informal settings. The phrase's formality can sound stilted or pretentious if the context doesn't warrant it. Opt for simpler alternatives like "one of the best" or "a leading" in more relaxed communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "among the foremost" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is part of a group that is considered to be the most important or advanced in a particular field or category. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "among the foremost" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies a leading position within a specified group or field. Ludwig AI and its examples confirm its widespread usage across various domains, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. While the phrase carries a slightly formal tone, its clarity and authoritative nature make it a valuable tool for highlighting prominence and expertise. When choosing between "among the foremost" and its alternatives, consider the desired level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey, ensuring the most fitting expression for your writing context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

among the leading

Replaces "foremost" with "leading", emphasizing direction and guidance rather than absolute rank.

among the preeminent

Replaces "foremost" with "preeminent", denoting superior distinction or importance.

among the most important

Substitutes "foremost" with "most important", focusing on significance and value.

among the top

Replaces "foremost" with "top", indicating a high position in a hierarchy.

among the principal

Focuses on the primary or chief entities within a group.

one of the foremost

Changes the structure to highlight an individual entity's position as "one" of the leaders.

among the best

Replaces "foremost" with "best", focusing on superior quality or performance.

in the forefront

Shifts the emphasis to being at the very front or vanguard of a particular field or movement.

at the vanguard

Uses a more metaphorical term, "vanguard", to describe being in the leading position.

among the elite

Highlights exclusivity and high social or professional status.

FAQs

How can I use "among the foremost" in a sentence?

You can use "among the foremost" to describe someone or something that is a leader in a particular field. For instance, "She is considered "among the foremost" researchers in climate science".

What are some alternatives to "among the foremost"?

Alternatives to "among the foremost" include "among the leading", "among the best", or "one of the most important", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "among the foremost" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "among the foremost" is generally more suited to formal writing or speech. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives such as "one of the best" or "a leading" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "among the foremost" from "among the best"?

"Among the best" generally refers to superior quality or skill, while "among the foremost" emphasizes a leading or prominent position within a field. For example, a company might be "among the best" in customer service but ""among the foremost"" in technological innovation.