at its prime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its prime" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is at its peak or in its best condition, often referring to a time of greatest strength or success. Example: "The athlete was at her prime during the championship season, breaking records and winning medals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Some might also ask for the mechanic to look at the oil level, belts, tire pressure and air filter to make sure it's operating at its prime.

Huffington Post

When the resort was at its prime, in the 1920's to 1940's, it included one of the country's best-known night clubs.

The New York Times

There is a heavy emphasis on stopping crime at its prime source -- adolescence.

The New York Times

Now he mans the oven six nights a week, and his exquisitely crisp, salty pies have inspired a following comparable to Di Fara's, or Grimaldi's at its prime.

The New Yorker

To investigate how a number behaves you look at its prime factors, for example 63 is 3 x 3 x 7. Primes do not have factors: they are as simple as numbers get.

The Guardian

The project has recently been battered by financial warnings and resignations at its prime backer EDF, although on Thursday France's economics minister, Emmanuel Macron, said that the French state would bail the company out.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

There she found "suburban living at its prime-time family-show best," she said.

The New York Times

And talking tough at Japan, as its prime minister, Shinzo Abe, tacks to the right on history, has earned her points, too.In this section A useful campaign To fight or not to fight Spying trouble Mission accomplished?

The Economist

China is negotiating a Free Trade Area accord with Reykjavik, its first with a European nation, and last year it sent its prime minister at the time, Wen Jiabao, for a two-day visit.

The New York Times

BLOOMBERG Citi to Fight Rivals for Asia's Hedge Fund Business  |  Citigroup is set for a hiring spree at its Asian prime finance unit, with plans to increase its head count by as much as 80 percent, as it seeks to increase its share of the region's hedge fund business, Reuters reports.

The New York Times

The first world war, though it cost 13,000 Birmingham men their lives, only confirmed the city's status as the vital heart of British industrial production; at its close, prime minister David Lloyd George observed that "the country, the empire and the world owe to the skill, the ingenuity and the resource of Birmingham a deep debt of gratitude".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at its prime" to vividly describe periods or states of peak performance, quality, or success. It adds a sense of historical significance and achievement.

Common error

While "at its prime" is effective, avoid overusing it, especially when describing current situations. It often implies a comparison to a past state, so ensure this implication is intentional and relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its prime" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or noun to describe a state of being at the peak of condition or success. Ludwig AI confirms this, showcasing examples where the phrase is used to qualify periods or entities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

11%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at its prime" is a versatile phrase used to describe the peak condition or period of success of something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While phrases like "in its heyday" or "at its peak" offer stylistic alternatives, it's essential to use "at its prime" judiciously, avoiding overuse in modern contexts where it may imply a comparison to a past state. The phrase serves to highlight historical significance and achievement, making it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in its heyday

Replaces 'prime' with 'heyday', emphasizing a period of great success or popularity.

at its peak

Substitutes 'prime' with 'peak', focusing on the highest point of achievement or condition.

in its best days

Uses 'best days' instead of 'prime', referring to a period of optimal performance or quality.

in its golden age

Replaces 'prime' with 'golden age', highlighting a time of prosperity and excellence.

at its zenith

Substitutes 'prime' with 'zenith', denoting the highest point or state.

in its bloom

Uses 'bloom' instead of 'prime', emphasizing a state of flourishing or optimal beauty and vigor.

in its glory days

Replaces 'prime' with 'glory days', referring to a past period of great success and admiration.

at its height

Substitutes 'prime' with 'height', focusing on the highest level or degree.

at its most effective

Replaces 'prime' with 'most effective', stressing optimal functionality or impact.

at its finest

Uses 'finest' instead of 'prime', highlighting the best or most excellent condition.

FAQs

How can I use "at its prime" in a sentence?

Use "at its prime" to describe when something was at its best, most successful, or most powerful. For example, "The Roman Empire was "at its prime" during the reign of Emperor Augustus."

What is a similar phrase to "at its prime"?

Similar phrases include "in its heyday", "at its peak", or "in its golden age". Each emphasizes a period of maximum achievement or quality.

Is it better to say "in its prime" or "at its prime"?

Both "in its prime" and "at its prime" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific context of the sentence.

Can "at its prime" refer to people?

Yes, "at its prime" can refer to people, indicating they are in the best condition of their lives, often in terms of health, skill, or capability. For example, "The athlete was "at its prime" during the championship season."