at the highest

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the highest" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is of the highest level, rank, or degree. For example, "The Olympic athletes are considered to be at the highest level of competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Government corruption at the highest levels?

The New York Times

Sport at the highest level is ruthless.

Independent

"It's entertainment at the highest level.

The New York Times - Sports

Inexperience at the highest level.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is crime at the highest level.

The Guardian

That and quality at the highest level".

The New York Times - Arts

"It's competition at the highest," Groh said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Talent at the highest level attracts derision.

The Guardian - Arts

"We performed at the highest level.

The New York Times - Sports

"We can perform at the highest level".

The New York Times - Sports

"Transparency is at the highest importance now".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the highest" to describe situations where something reaches its maximum potential, such as "performing at the highest level" in sports or "achieving results at the highest standard" in academics.

Common error

Avoid using "at the highest" in very casual conversations. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "the best" or "the most" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the highest" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying nouns and verbs to indicate the uppermost degree or level of something. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it is used to describe qualities, positions, or actions that are at their peak.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the highest" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize the superlative degree or level of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, primarily in news, media, and professional settings. While its usage is widespread, it's best to consider the formality of the situation and opt for simpler alternatives in very casual conversations. Common applications include describing peak performance, elevated positions, or maximum values. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like "The New York Times" and "The Guardian" underscores its acceptability and effectiveness in conveying a sense of utmost degree.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the peak

Replaces "highest" with "peak", emphasizing the summit or top point.

at the maximum level

More explicit and formal, specifying "maximum level" instead of just "highest".

at the uppermost level

Emphasizes the position as being the highest, using "uppermost".

at the top tier

Implies a ranked system where "top tier" represents the highest rank.

in the upper echelons

Refers to the highest levels of an organization or system.

at its zenith

Uses a more figurative term, "zenith", to describe the peak or highest point.

at its apex

Similar to "zenith", using "apex" to signify the highest point or culmination.

in the lead

Focuses on the position of being ahead or superior to others.

at the upper limit

More specific to numerical or quantifiable contexts, indicating the highest possible value.

in prime position

Suggests the most favorable or advantageous situation.

FAQs

How can I use "at the highest" in a sentence?

You can use "at the highest" to describe something that is at its peak level, such as "corruption "at the highest level"" or "performing "at the highest standard"".

What phrases are similar to "at the highest"?

Alternatives include "at the peak", "at the maximum level", or "at the uppermost level", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "at the highest of levels"?

Yes, "at the highest of levels" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the superlative degree, as in "Mike was the consummate professional "at the highest of levels"".

When is it best to use "at the highest" versus "at the top"?

"At the highest" is generally used to describe a degree or level, while "at the top" often refers to a physical position or ranking. For example, "performing "at the highest level"" versus being "at the top of the mountain".