best of those

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best of those" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing a selection of items or individuals and indicating that one is superior among them. Example: "Out of all the candidates, she was the best of those interviewed for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Jim invokes the best of those two elements".

The New York Times - Sports

A rich chocolate mousse cake and a creamy American cheesecake were the best of those sampled.

The New York Times

A dark, dense chocolate mousse was the best of those we tried.

The New York Times

Yesterday Souza posted a selection of the best of those images to his blog.

Independent

On Tuesday, he selected the best of those stories from the last year.

The New York Times

But I think that the best of those lecturers are highly adept at reading their audiences.

The New York Times

"They would probably be getting the best of those three of four years.

Independent

I read one of those every week but this was the best of those".

The Guardian - Film

The best players make the team, the best of those play the most minutes.

The New York Times - Sports

Even during the best of those five years, Whitby lost about $100,000, he said.

The New York Times

The best of those: a scene illuminated entirely by the periodic discharging of a still camera's flash.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "best of those" to clearly indicate the superior choice among a defined set of options. Ensure the context makes the reference group immediately clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "best of those" without a clear antecedent. Always ensure the "those" refers to a specific, previously mentioned group to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best of those" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically identifying the most superior element from a previously mentioned or implied group. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "best of those" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to identify the superior element within a specific group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, though clarity depends on a well-defined reference group. To enhance your writing, remember to use "best of those" with a clear antecedent and consider alternatives like "finest among them" or "cream of the crop" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finest among them

Replaces "best" with "finest" to emphasize superior quality within the group.

cream of the crop

An idiomatic expression meaning the best or most superior individuals or items.

pick of the litter

An idiomatic expression referring to the best choice from a group of similar things.

top of the line

Focuses on the highest quality or most advanced option within a range of products or services.

elite selection

Highlights the exclusivity and superior quality of the chosen items.

prime examples

Emphasizes that these are the best cases representing a larger category.

leading lights

Suggests that individuals are outstanding in their field.

superior specimens

Highlights exceptional quality within a collection or sample.

choice picks

Implies careful selection of the highest quality items.

select few

Focuses on the limited number of truly excellent choices.

FAQs

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

Use "best of those" when you want to highlight the most outstanding item or individual within a specific group. For example, "Among all the applicants, she was the "best of those" interviewed".

What are some alternatives to using "best of those"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "finest among them", "cream of the crop", or "pick of the litter".

Is it redundant to say "best of the best of those"?

Yes, saying "best of the best of those" can be redundant. It's generally more concise and clearer to simply use ""best of those"" or rephrase to emphasize the superior quality.

Can "best of those" be used for both tangible items and abstract concepts?

Yes, "best of those" can be used for both tangible items (e.g., "the best of those cars") and abstract concepts (e.g., "the best of those ideas"). The key is to ensure that the "those" clearly refers to a defined set.