among the most

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "among the most" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used when referring to something that is greater than the majority of things in a collection. For example: This novel by J.K. Rowling is among the most popular books of all time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Among the most requested drinks?

The New York Times

It is certainly among the most costly.

The New York Times - Tech

Blue coconut is among the most popular.

The New York Times

They are also among the most violent.

The Economist

Among the most outstanding examples are St.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ballet Arizona ranks among the most significant.

The New York Times - Arts

Certain bashes were among the most coveted.

The New York Times

Technology is among the most attractive areas.

The New York Times

Among the most popular courses was Maj.

The New York Times

It is certainly among the most profitable.

Independent

He is also among the most accomplished.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "among the most" to highlight that an item shares a characteristic with several other top-ranking items within a defined category. For example, "This movie is among the most critically acclaimed films of the year."

Common error

Avoid using "among the most" when the ranking is purely based on personal preference and lacks objective criteria. Instead of saying "This is among the most interesting books", consider "This is one of my favorite books" if you're stating a personal opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "among the most" functions as a prepositional qualifier, indicating that a subject belongs to a select group of items that are highly ranked or notable in a particular category. It modifies a noun or pronoun by specifying its position within a superior subset, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "among the most" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that a subject belongs to a group of highly ranked or notable items. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and Ludwig's examples show its widespread use across varied contexts. To use it effectively, ensure there's a clear basis for comparison and avoid overuse in purely subjective contexts. By understanding its communicative purpose and register, you can confidently incorporate "among the most" into your writing to highlight the exceptional qualities of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one of the greatest

Emphasizes individual excellence rather than group membership.

ranking among the top

Focuses on a hierarchical position within a defined list.

considered a leading

Highlights the perception of being a leader or prominent figure.

counted among the elite

Suggests membership in an exclusive or highly skilled group.

in the upper echelon of

Implies placement in the highest level of a structure or organization.

at the forefront of

Highlights innovation and leadership in a specific field.

a notable example of

Emphasizes the significance and representativeness of a particular instance.

a prime illustration of

Stresses the clarity and effectiveness of a certain example.

stands out as a superior

Indicates that something exceeds expectations or benchmarks.

recognized as a premier

Highlights acknowledgement of high quality within a field.

FAQs

How do I use "among the most" in a sentence?

Use "among the most" to indicate that something belongs to a group of things that are notable or exemplary in some way. For example, "This museum is "among the most visited" in the country".

What are some alternatives to "among the most"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "one of the greatest", "ranking among the top", or "considered a leading example". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar idea of high standing. For example, instead of "among the most expensive", you might say "one of the priciest".

Is it always appropriate to use "among the most"?

While grammatically correct, "among the most" should be used when there's a clear basis for comparison or ranking. It might not be suitable for highly subjective opinions without supporting evidence. If there's no tangible way to prove superiority, something like "one of my favourite" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "among the most" and "the most"?

"The most" indicates something is definitively superior or highest-ranked without comparison. "Among the most" suggests it is part of a group sharing similar high qualities. You'd say, "This is the best pizza I've ever had" to express definitive superiority, versus "This pizza is "among the most delicious" I've tried" when comparing it with other very good pizzas.