at the height of

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the height of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the time when something was the most intense or prominent. For example: "At the height of the pandemic, many businesses had to close their doors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the height of his popularity.

The New York Times

At the height of Cubism.

The New Yorker

At the height of the I.P.O.

The New York Times

But, at the height of his career, disaster struck.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You retired at the height of your chess career.

Harvard Business Review

We were not at the height of our powers.

The Guardian - Books

He died suddenly, at the height of his career.

Britannica

These victories saw Tudjman at the height of his powers.

The Guardian

It's really Tchaikovsky at the height of his maturity.

Harvard University

I never burnt at the height of summer.

Harvard University

Neither do the hordes at the height of the season.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the height of", ensure the context clearly establishes what is reaching its peak. For instance, "At the height of summer, the gardens are most vibrant."

Common error

Avoid using "at the height of" when referring to ongoing or continuous processes without a clear peak. It's more appropriate for situations with a distinct climax or high point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the height of" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to specify when something is at its peak or most intense point. As shown in Ludwig examples, it provides temporal or descriptive context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the height of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote the peak or most intense period of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. It frequently appears in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources, conveying the significance of a particular moment. To enhance clarity, always ensure the context clearly indicates what is reaching its peak. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "at the peak of" or "at the zenith of", each carries subtle differences in nuance and formality. Being mindful of these nuances will ensure precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the peak of

Replaces "height" with "peak", emphasizing a maximum point.

at the zenith of

Uses "zenith" to denote the highest point, often implying achievement or success. It is more formal.

at the apex of

Similar to "zenith", "apex" suggests the highest or culminating point.

at the culmination of

Focuses on the idea of something reaching its final, fully developed stage.

in its prime

Describes something being in its best condition or most flourishing stage.

at its most intense

Emphasizes the maximum level of intensity or force.

at its strongest

Highlights the point of maximum strength or power.

at the top of

A more general phrase indicating the highest position or rank.

at the crest of

Uses "crest" to suggest the peak of a wave or a rising trend.

in full swing

Implies a state of being very active or busy, often at a peak level.

FAQs

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

Use "at the height of" to describe when something reaches its peak intensity or prominence. For example, "At the height of summer, tourism is booming."

What's a more formal alternative to "at the height of"?

Alternatives such as "at the zenith of" or "at the apex of" provide a more formal tone compared to "at the height of".

Is it correct to say "at the heights of" instead of "at the height of"?

While "at the heights of" can be used, it is less common than "at the height of". "At the height of" typically refers to a singular peak or most intense point. Using "heights" generally is appropriate when there are multiple or varied peaks.

What is the difference between "at the height of" and "in its prime"?

"At the height of" specifically refers to a peak moment or period, whereas "in its prime" describes a state of optimal condition or flourishing, which may encompass a longer duration.