best of all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best of all" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the positive or to express enthusiasm or excitement for something. For example, "I just found the perfect new backpack; it's lightweight, durable, and best of all, it was on sale!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is she the best of all time?

The New Yorker

"The best of all!!" bellowed the crowd.

The Guardian

And that felt best of all".

The New Yorker

And best of all, it's versatile.

The New York Times - Health

I liked Emma best of all though.

Independent

And, best of all, it works.

The Economist

And best of all, it's honest.

The New York Times

And — best of all — run by me.

The New Yorker

best of all time 2.

The Guardian

And, best of all, it is free!

Harvard University

But best of all is the lighting.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "best of all" to highlight the most significant advantage or appealing aspect of something you are describing. For example, "The new software is user-friendly, efficient, and, best of all, compatible with all operating systems."

Common error

Avoid using "best of all" when comparing multiple items or options where no single option stands out as clearly superior. It's more appropriate when there's a definitive highlight. For instance, instead of saying "Each dessert was good, but the chocolate cake was best of all", use a more nuanced phrase like "particularly enjoyable" if the difference is subtle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best of all" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to emphasize the most favorable aspect among several others. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts to highlight a key advantage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "best of all" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to highlight the most positive aspect of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase used to express enthusiasm or emphasize a key advantage. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, although more formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "most importantly". The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, as well as academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure it genuinely reflects the most significant benefit to avoid misuse in comparative scenarios. Keep in mind that while generally versatile, its informal tone should be considered in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most of all

Almost synonymous, but can emphasize quantity or degree.

especially

Highlights something as noteworthy or exceptional.

above all else

Highlights priority and significance above other considerations.

most importantly

Emphasizes the significance rather than overall superiority.

more than anything

Emphasizes desire or preference.

chiefly

Focuses on the primary or main aspect.

first and foremost

Indicates the highest priority or initial importance.

primarily

Similar to 'chiefly' but may imply a broader scope.

in particular

Singles out a specific item or aspect.

paramountly

Highlights the supreme importance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "best of all" in a sentence?

Use "best of all" to emphasize the most positive or important aspect of something. For example, "The new car is fuel-efficient, comfortable, and, "best of all", it's affordable."

What are some alternatives to "best of all"?

You can use alternatives such as "most importantly", "above all else", or "especially" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, instead of saying "The location is great, and "best of all", it's near public transportation", you could say "The location is great, and "above all else", it's near public transportation".

When is it appropriate to use "best of all"?

It's appropriate to use "best of all" when you want to highlight a single, outstanding feature or benefit from a list of positive attributes. This helps emphasize what makes something particularly desirable or advantageous.

Is "best of all" suitable for formal writing?

While "best of all" is generally acceptable, in more formal contexts, you might consider using alternatives like "most importantly" or "above all" to maintain a more professional tone. The choice depends on the specific audience and the overall formality of the writing.