best of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best of which" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a subset of items or examples that are considered the most favorable or outstanding among a larger group. Example: "The conference featured several keynote speakers, the best of which was the renowned scientist who discussed climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The best of which has only emerged now.

The Guardian

Wallis, like James, was full of suggestions, the best of which is simple.

The Guardian - Opinion

The magazine commissions – some of the best of which have appeared in this magazine – rolled in.

Independent

Most Indian varieties, the best of which come from the Yamuna River area, have lop ears.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Successful governors must formulate and enact bold new policies, the best of which often filter up to the national level.

The New York Times

It stands four (soon to be five) stallions, the best of which is a sprinter called Bahamian Bounty.

The Guardian - Sport

The restaurant offers excellent traditional Chettinad dishes, the best of which are made with fish or shrimp.

The New York Times - Travel

The same can be said of desserts, the best of which was a rich, autumnal pumpkin tart.

The New York Times

Parka was just one of four champions trained by Croll, the best of which might have been Holy Bull.

The New York Times - Sports

Desserts, the best of which may be the silky Catalan cream with beignets, tend toward the rich and fussy.

The New Yorker

Fans will be encouraged to turn in their own remixes, the best of which will be added to the site.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "best of which", ensure the context clearly establishes the larger group from which the "best" are being selected. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "best of which" when referring to a single item or concept. This phrase is intended for selecting from a group, not describing a unique entity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best of which" functions as a relative clause introducing a specific subset, usually the most exceptional or preferred, from a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "best of which" is a versatile phrase used to single out the most excellent items from a group. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the larger group being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "finest of which" or "top of which" can add nuance, but "best of which" remains a reliable and commonly understood choice. "Best of which" is suitable for neutral to formal writing and helps direct attention to the most valuable or preferred elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finest of which

Replaces "best" with "finest", suggesting a higher degree of refinement or quality.

top of which

Substitutes "best" with "top", emphasizing the ranking or hierarchical position.

greatest of which

Uses "greatest" instead of "best", highlighting the magnitude or significance.

choicest of which

Replaces "best" with "choicest", implying a careful selection of the most desirable items.

prime of which

Suggests the "best" are in their peak condition or most excellent state.

pick of which

More informal, suggesting the "best" was chosen or selected from a group.

cream of the crop

Idiomatic expression conveying that something is the "best" of its kind.

elite of which

Implies the "best" belong to a select, high-status group.

superior of which

Highlights the higher quality or standard of the "best" items.

leading of which

Suggests the "best" are in a position of prominence or influence.

FAQs

How to use "best of which" in a sentence?

Use "best of which" to specify the most desirable or excellent items from a larger set. For example, "The museum displayed several artifacts, the "best of which" were the ancient sculptures".

What can I say instead of "best of which"?

You can use alternatives like "finest of which", "top of which", or "greatest of which" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of superiority.

Which is correct, "best of which" or "the best from which"?

"Best of which" is generally more concise and idiomatic. "The best from which" is grammatically correct but can sound less natural in many contexts. Choose "best of which" for a smoother flow.

What's the difference between "most of which" and "best of which"?

"Most of which" refers to the largest quantity or proportion, while "best of which" refers to the highest quality or most desirable items. Use "most of which" when quantity is important and "best of which" when quality is the focus.