among the top

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "among the top" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is included in a group of the highest-ranking or best items, people, or entities in a particular category. Example: "Our university is ranked among the top institutions in the country for research and innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither ranked among the top fifteen albums.

The New Yorker

Six Kenyans finished among the top 10.

The New York Times - Sports

Eight others were among the top 20.

The New York Times

Among the top children's books were "Bravo!

The New York Times

Oxycodone was among the top four.

The New York Times - Science

Head injury ranks among the top contributors in automobile accidents.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

Chile is among the top 15 countries in fish production.

Yale University

It is now among the top 25% of children's services.

The Guardian

Four North Carolina players were chosen among the top 14.

The New York Times

"But it's definitely among the top 10 in the Northeast".

The New York Times

Not far behind Corus among the top gainers was Shire.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "among the top", be specific about the criteria for being 'top'. Clearly define what constitutes excellence or high ranking in your context.

Common error

Avoid using "among the top" without providing context or supporting evidence. Saying something is "among the top" without qualification can sound vague and unconvincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "among the top" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating inclusion within a select group of high-achieving or high-ranking entities. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "among the top" is a frequently used and grammatically sound prepositional phrase that serves to denote high status or ranking. Ludwig confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. When using the phrase, it's important to provide specific context or evidence to support the claim. Alternatives such as "among the best" or "in the top tier" can be used for stylistic variation. The Ludwig AI agrees that this phrase is correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

among the best

Focuses on quality and excellence rather than position.

in the top tier

Refers to the highest level in a hierarchical structure.

in the upper echelon

Highlights a position in the highest level of an organization or society.

among the elite

Highlights exclusivity and prestige.

within the elite

Emphasizes exclusivity and high status.

included in the cream of the crop

Uses an idiomatic expression to denote the very best.

in the leading group

Implies being ahead of others in a specific field or competition.

ranking highly

Highlights the competitive aspect and numerical ranking.

one of the foremost

Focuses on being at the front or head of a group or activity.

considered preeminent

Stresses outstanding distinction and superiority.

FAQs

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

Use "among the top" to indicate that something is included in a group of the highest-ranking or best items, people, or entities in a particular category. For example, "Our university is ranked "among the top" institutions in the country."

What phrases are similar to "among the top"?

You can use alternatives like "among the best", "in the top tier", or "within the elite" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "among the top" or "one of the best"?

Both phrases are correct, but "among the top" often implies a more structured ranking, while "one of the best" can be more general and subjective.

How do I ensure my use of "among the top" is credible?

Support your claim with evidence. Cite specific rankings, data, or expert opinions to validate that what you're describing is indeed "among the top".