elite students

USAGE SUMMARY

"elite students" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to students who are particularly academically successful or have a high level of distinction. For example, "The college recruited its most elite students for the honors program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Until now, Bard's model has largely focused on elite students.

The New York Times

"It's the elite students who will be in control.

The Guardian

Ms. Bowkett said the positive experience of these elite students has been a huge image booster.

The New York Times

Henry Farrell interviewed Lauren Rivera about her new book Pedigree: How Elite Students Get Elite Jobs.

The Washington Post

Though recent media reports suggest that elite students are growing disillusioned by Wall Street, the numbers are unconvincing.

The New York Times

And those elite students will still feel the pressure, which, it bears repeating, will hurt some but help others.

The New York Times - Magazine

Furthermore, the women were some of America’s most elite students: Yale University undergraduates.

Stanford University

This is true even among elite students, a group that not long ago agitated for greater democracy.

The New York Times

Virtually every school district in the country has smaller, high-performing schools or programs within schools for elite students.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Yet Murrow does not have an intellectually elite student body sifted through admissions tests like those used by Stuyvesant or Bronx Science.

The New York Times

Japanese ski resorts usually do not get much snow until December, so tours to Europe for elite student skiers have been gaining in popularity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "elite students", consider the specific context and choose a synonym if you want to avoid potential negative connotations of privilege or exclusivity.

Common error

Avoid using "elite students" in very casual or informal settings. Opt for more approachable terms like "top students" or "high-achieving students" to maintain a friendly tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elite students" functions primarily as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It is used to identify a specific subset of students who are considered to be at the top of their class or field. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

23%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "elite students" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe students who stand out due to their academic achievements, talents, or privileged backgrounds. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used in written English. It's most frequently encountered in news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications. While a useful descriptor, it's important to be mindful of the connotations it carries. Depending on the context, it may be more appropriate to use alternative phrases like "high-achieving students" or "gifted students" to avoid unintended implications of exclusivity or privilege. When using "elite students", consider your audience and the specific message you want to convey to ensure clarity and sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high-achieving students

Focuses on academic success and performance.

top students

Emphasizes ranking and relative performance.

gifted students

Highlights innate talent and potential.

talented students

Similar to 'gifted students' but can also include developed skills.

outstanding students

General term for students who excel.

privileged students

Highlights socioeconomic advantage.

select students

Emphasizes exclusivity and careful selection.

high-caliber students

Focuses on the quality and standard of the students.

cream of the crop

Idiomatic expression for the very best students.

academic elites

Formal term for students at the highest academic level.

FAQs

How can I use "elite students" in a sentence?

You can use "elite students" to describe high-achieving or privileged students, such as, "The university's honors program is designed for its most elite students."

What are some alternatives to saying "elite students"?

Consider using alternatives like "high-achieving students", "top students", or "gifted students" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "elite students" or "high-performing students"?

Both "elite students" and "high-performing students" are acceptable, but "high-performing students" may be preferred in contexts where you want to emphasize achievement over perceived privilege. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "elite students" and "privileged students"?

"Elite students" typically refers to academic excellence or high achievement, while "privileged students" refers to students who benefit from socioeconomic advantages. While there may be overlap, the terms emphasize different aspects of a student's background and status.