at the apex of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the apex of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe being at the highest point or peak of something, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "The company found itself at the apex of innovation, leading the industry with groundbreaking technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're at the apex of our sport.

The New York Times - Sports

"They're at the apex of the feeding scale.

The New York Times

A triangular plot at the apex of two wide roads.

The New York Times

At the apex of the British state nothing is straightforward.

The Guardian - Books

Organizationally, the Führer stood at the apex of a hierarchy.

Britannica

In May 1945, Winston Churchill was at the apex of power after Germany's surrender.

The New York Times

Once, the place of fathers was at the apex of the familial pyramid.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Five years ago, Elway retired at the apex of his career.

The New York Times - Sports

It is part of the American passion for living at the apex of the view.

The New York Times

Through it all, they appear to be at the apex of their power.

The New York Times

None can rival Sir Martin Sorrell at the apex of the British advertising industry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the apex of" to denote the highest point, peak, or most crucial stage of a process, organization, or achievement. It adds a sense of culmination and significance.

Common error

While "at the apex of" is a sophisticated phrase, avoid overusing it. Vary your language with synonyms like "at the peak of" or "at the summit of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the apex of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a position at the highest point or peak. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the apex of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies the highest point or peak of something. According to Ludwig, it's perfectly acceptable for formal writing. It appears most often in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its suitability for sophisticated discussions. To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms like "at the peak of" or "at the summit of". Remember to reserve "at the apex of" for situations where you want to emphasize culmination or significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the summit of

Indicates reaching the highest point or peak, similar to "at the apex of" but emphasizes a physical climb or achievement.

at the peak of

Replaces "apex" with "peak", another word for the highest point, maintaining the same meaning and level of formality.

at the pinnacle of

Similar to "apex", but often implies a sense of achievement and admiration for reaching the highest point.

at the height of

Focuses on the maximum intensity or degree achieved, often used for abstract concepts like power or influence.

at the zenith of

A more literary and formal alternative, referring to the highest point in the sky or a metaphorical peak.

at the crest of

Evokes the image of reaching the top of a wave or a hill, implying a transition point.

at the top of

A more general and less formal way to indicate the highest position in a hierarchy or ranking.

at the high point of

A more descriptive phrase that directly states the attainment of a maximum level or position.

at the culmination of

Emphasizes the final and highest point in a process or series of events.

in the forefront of

Focuses on leading position in a field or movement, rather than a literal height.

FAQs

How can I use "at the apex of" in a sentence?

Use "at the apex of" to indicate the highest point, peak, or most important part of something. For instance, "The company was "at the apex of" its success after launching its innovative product."

What are some alternatives to "at the apex of"?

You can use alternatives like "at the peak of", "at the summit of", or "at the height of" depending on the specific context.

Is "at the apex of" formal or informal?

"At the apex of" is generally considered a formal phrase. For more informal contexts, you might consider using "at the top of" as a substitute.

What is the difference between "at the apex of" and "at the top of"?

While both phrases indicate a high position, "at the apex of" implies a more refined or significant peak, often in a hierarchical or abstract sense. "At the top of" is more general and can refer to physical or abstract positions.