elite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a select group of people or things that are considered to be the best in a particular category or field. Example: "The elite athletes competed fiercely for the gold medal at the Olympics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their return to the elite in 2013 was played out under another three managers and via a play-off success over Brighton & Hove Albion that was briefly overshadowed by "Poogate".

The Guardian - Sport

It was Pulis who oversaw safety last term, his No1 praising the "organisation" instilled in a squad who made history by surviving a Premier League campaign for the first time since the elite were revamped.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: Republican elite swarm New Hampshire as host of 2016 hopefuls take the stage The full-to-bursting roster of Republican presidential aspirants expanded again over the weekend after John Kasich, the governor of the crucial swing-state of Ohio, laid the groundwork for a run on the White House with an unusual attack on Wall Street.

The Guardian

His rise from humble origins to leader of 1.25 billion people has inspired many – but also provoked scorn from elite politicians who have mocked his background.

The Guardian

Standing next to a photograph of Gladstone, he said: "The radical Liberals were pretty successful … The old Tory elite kind of lost out to those radical reformers, thankfully, which is why we became a successful country.

The Guardian

Sure, I abhor everything Ukip stand for: they're a millionaire-funded party advocating privatisation and tax cuts for a thriving wealthy elite, encouraging struggling Britons to direct their fire at immigrants rather than financiers, poverty-paying employers or tax avoiders.

The Guardian - Opinion

So perhaps it isn't the most enormous surprise to find Simon's format still providing some sort of template for the ruling elite.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Which then means other religions can legitimately press the ruling elite for their bit of power, their strand of hair.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, years later, I can see that what I really wanted was to belong to an elite and rarefied group.

The Guardian - Books

Yet university managers say it is hard to persuade City investors to back your project on reasonable terms if you aren't an elite institution at the top of the league tables.

The Guardian

Whiplash has four nominations, with an acting nod for JK Simmons as the terrifying music teacher at an elite New York academy who torments a talented young jazz drummer.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elite" to specifically denote a group recognized for exceptional skill, status, or achievement. Ensure the context clearly defines the criteria for inclusion in the "elite".

Common error

Avoid using "elite" loosely to describe any group you admire. Reserve it for situations where there is objective evidence of superior status or skill. Using it too broadly weakens its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "elite" is as an adjective to describe a noun, indicating that it belongs to a select group or possesses superior qualities. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples where "elite" modifies terms like "athletes", "institutions", and "programs".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "elite" functions primarily as an adjective, denoting a group or entity recognized for superior quality, skill, or status. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it’s grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its usage can range from neutral to formal, overuse in subjective contexts should be avoided to preserve its impact. Alternatives like "exclusive" or "top-tier" can be employed depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

best of the best

Reinforces the idea of being the absolute highest quality or skill level.

finest

Highlights the superior quality and excellence of the group.

exclusive

Highlights the limited access and selectiveness of the group.

select

Underscores the chosen and carefully picked nature of the group.

upper echelon

Refers to the highest level within an organization or society.

top-tier

Emphasizes the ranking and position at the highest level.

cream of the crop

Emphasizes the selection of the very best from a larger group.

leading

Stresses the superior performance and guiding position in a field.

high-end

Focuses on the quality and expensiveness associated with exclusivity.

privileged

Indicates the advantages and special opportunities afforded to the group.

FAQs

How can I use "elite" in a sentence?

The word "elite" can be used as an adjective to describe something that is of the highest quality or belongs to a select group. For example, "The "elite" athletes competed fiercely" or "That university is known for its "elite" academic programs".

What's a good alternative to the word "elite"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "exclusive", "top-tier", or "select" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "elite group"?

Yes, "elite group" is a common and grammatically correct phrase. It emphasizes that the group in question is particularly select or high-achieving.

What's the difference between "elite" and "elitist"?

"Elite" describes a group of superior quality or status, while "elitist" describes an attitude or system that favors or benefits such a group, often to the exclusion of others. "Elitist" has a negative connotation.