bottom of the class

USAGE SUMMARY

"bottom of the class" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is ranked as the worst or lowest performing student in a class, based on grades or academic performance. Example: Despite her efforts, Jane always found herself at the bottom of the class, struggling to keep up with her classmates.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So not bottom of the class.

Independent

Bottom of the class Danny Blanchett.

The Guardian - Sport

Bottom of the class No one.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was always bottom of the class," he has said.

The New Yorker

Bottom of the class Where do you start?

The Guardian - Sport

Bottom of the class Can I nominate the Vale board?

The Guardian - Sport

Bottom of the class Danny Schofield & Michael Raynes.

The Guardian - Sport

Bottom of the class Craig Fagan was a disappointment.

The Guardian - Sport

This year's put Kosovo and Bosnia bottom of the class.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Surely not advertising agencies, filled with bottom-of-the-class semi-literates.

The Guardian - Opinion

The NCC gave it a bottom-of-the-class E grade, because it did not offer bags for life.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "bottom of the class", ensure the context is clear and refers to a ranking or performance within a specific group, typically academic.

Common error

Avoid using "bottom of the class" when a more constructive or encouraging phrase would be more appropriate, especially when discussing potential or improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bottom of the class" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an adverbial modifier, specifying the lowest rank or performance within a group. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bottom of the class" is a common expression used to denote the lowest rank or performance within a group, predominantly in an academic setting. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, supported by a multitude of examples across various contexts. Its usage spans from news reports to academic evaluations, highlighting its adaptability in both formal and informal communication. When employing this phrase, clarity and context are paramount to ensure its meaning is accurately conveyed and avoid potential misinterpretations. While "bottom of the class" effectively communicates the concept of being the least successful, alternative phrases like "worst performing student" or "lowest ranked in the class" might be more suitable in certain professional or formal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worst performing student

Focuses specifically on academic performance, similar to "bottom of the class".

lowest ranked in the class

Directly indicates the lowest position in a ranking within a class setting.

poorest student

Highlights the lack of academic success, a more general term.

underachiever

Describes someone who is not performing up to their potential; broader than just class performance.

lagging behind

Indicates a slower pace compared to others, relevant in academic or skill-based contexts.

at the tail end

Metaphorically describes being at the end of a group, indicating low performance or ranking.

bringing up the rear

Similar to "at the tail end", implies being last or among the last in a group.

least successful

Focuses on the lack of achievement or success, not necessarily limited to academic settings.

in last place

Indicates the lowest position in a competition or ranking, can be applied metaphorically.

struggling student

Highlights the difficulties a student faces, without explicitly stating their position in the class.

FAQs

How can I use "bottom of the class" in a sentence?

You can use "bottom of the class" to describe someone with the lowest rank in a class. For example: "Despite studying hard, he was always at the "bottom of the class".

What's an alternative to saying "bottom of the class"?

Alternatives include "worst performing student", "lowest ranked in the class", or "underachiever" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "bottom of the class" in a formal setting?

While "bottom of the class" is widely understood, in formal settings, consider using more neutral phrases like "lowest ranked in the class" or "underachiever".

What's the difference between "bottom of the class" and "struggling student"?

"Bottom of the class" indicates a specific ranking, while "struggling student" suggests that a student is facing difficulties, without necessarily being the lowest-ranked.