at the very highest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the very highest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the maximum level or degree of something, often in a context where you are discussing limits or extremes. Example: "The project will require at the very highest level of expertise to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I made my contribution, at the very highest level.

The Guardian - Sport

His career was conducted at the very highest levels.

The Guardian

Martial has most of the requirements fundamental to being a success at the very highest level.

The Guardian - Sport

At the very highest level, every marginal gain has to be snatched, hoarded, cherished.

The Guardian - Sport

At the very highest levels, some of the most experienced officials are packing their bags.

The Guardian

"Andy and Alex are quality acquisitions and have bags of experience at the very highest level.

The Guardian - Sport

What he does is observational comedy – at its most orthodox, and at the very highest level.

The Guardian

Violations seem to have been committed or tolerated by people at the very highest level.

The New York Times

We are a very specialised market at the very highest end".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of England's golden generation (sic), he has been easily the best at the very highest level.

The Guardian - Sport

That's the effect pressure can have when you're playing sport at the very highest level.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the very highest" to describe achievements or standards, ensure the context clearly establishes what constitutes 'high' within that field. Be specific about the criteria.

Common error

While acceptable, using "at the very highest" repeatedly can sound informal or redundant in formal writing. Consider replacing it with more precise terms like 'optimal', 'peak', or 'supreme' depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the very highest" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to specify the degree or extent. Ludwig's examples showcase how it typically describes achievements, standards, or positions that represent the peak of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the very highest" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier to emphasize the peak level or degree of something. Ludwig's AI indicates its acceptability and provides numerous examples from diverse sources, including news, sports, and business contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it can lean towards formal depending on the surrounding context. When writing, use "at the very highest" to effectively highlight exceptional quality, skill, or rank, but be mindful of potential overuse in formal settings. Consider alternatives like ""at the absolute peak"" or ""at the supreme level"" for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the absolute peak

Replaces 'very highest' with 'absolute peak', emphasizing the top point.

at the uppermost echelon

Substitutes 'very highest' with 'uppermost echelon', indicating a top rank or level.

at the supreme level

Replaces 'very highest' with 'supreme level', highlighting the ultimate degree.

at the top tier

Uses 'top tier' in place of 'very highest', suggesting a ranking or classification.

at the greatest extent

Replaces "level" with "extent", focusing on the magnitude or scope.

at the utmost degree

Substitutes 'very highest' with 'utmost degree', stressing the maximum intensity.

at the maximum point

Replaces "level" with "point", focusing on the culmination or apex.

at the most elevated position

Replaces 'very highest' with 'most elevated position', highlighting the superior status.

in the most prestigious rank

Changes the structure to 'in the most prestigious rank', focusing on status and reputation.

at the most advanced stage

Replaces "level" with "stage", emphasizing a progressive point of development.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the very highest" to indicate the peak level or degree of something. For example: "The athlete performed "at the very highest" level throughout the competition".

What are some alternatives to "at the very highest"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at the absolute peak", "at the supreme level", or "at the uppermost echelon" depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is it better to say "at the highest level" or "at the very highest"?

Both "at the highest level" and "at the very highest level" are grammatically correct, but "at the very highest level" adds emphasis. The choice depends on whether you want to strongly highlight the extreme nature of the level being discussed.

What does "at the very highest level" mean?

"At the very highest level" refers to the utmost or most extreme degree or rank. It indicates that something has reached its peak in terms of quality, skill, or importance.