best-selling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best-selling" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a product, usually a book or album, that has sold exceptionally well compared to others in the same category. Example: "The author's latest novel quickly became a best-selling title, topping the charts for several weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He is both avant-garde and best-selling.

The New Yorker

Neil Young's "Archives" — groundbreaking, but not best-selling.

The New Yorker

The first is made up of New York Times best-selling authors and literary darlings.

The New York Times - Books

It is Spears' best-selling digital single in the country.

Wikipedia

It is her sixth best-selling single in the country.

Wikipedia

Both are also New York Times best-selling authors.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

American businessmen at best sell 80percentt.

The New York Times

Next, present your best selling lines.

The Guardian

The home's best selling point is its water views.

The New York Times

And that's what this country does best — sells.

The New Yorker

The garden centers I like best sell their own plants.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a product as "best-selling", provide context about the category or time period it topped to give the claim more weight and relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "best-selling" without verifiable data. If you don't have sales figures, opt for terms like "popular" or "well-received" to prevent misleading readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best-selling" functions primarily as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., "best-selling author", "best-selling album"). Ludwig AI confirms its role in describing items with significant commercial success.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

25%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "best-selling" is a common and grammatically sound adjective used to describe products that have achieved significant commercial success. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media. When using the term, providing specific context or verifiable data enhances credibility. Alternatives such as "top-selling" or "most popular" can be used to vary your writing. Always ensure claims of being "best-selling" are supported by evidence to maintain accuracy and avoid misleading readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Top-selling

Replaces "best" with "top", emphasizing the ranking in sales.

Most popular

Focuses on popularity rather than sales figures.

Chart-topping

Specifically refers to items that reach the top of sales charts.

Highly successful

Highlights the overall success of the product.

Number one

Indicates the item holds the top position in sales.

Record-breaking

Implies the item has surpassed previous sales records.

Blockbuster

Often used for movies or books with huge commercial success.

Smash hit

Informal term for something very popular and successful.

Commercial success

More general term referring to financial success.

Widely purchased

Emphasizes the broad consumer base buying the product.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "best-selling"?

A "best-selling" item is one that has sold a high number of copies or units, typically in comparison to other items in the same category. It indicates significant commercial success and popularity.

What are some alternatives to saying "best-selling"?

You can use alternatives like "top-selling", "most popular", or "chart-topping" to convey a similar meaning depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "best-selling" in formal writing?

Yes, "best-selling" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and widely understood term that accurately conveys the commercial success of a product, like a book or album.

How can I verify if something is truly "best-selling"?

Look for credible sales figures from reliable sources like Nielsen SoundScan, official charts, or reputable industry publications. Avoid relying solely on marketing claims without independent verification.