even the best

USAGE SUMMARY

"even the best" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to add emphasis or surprise to a statement. For example: - "Her cooking skills are impressive, even the best chefs would envy her." - "Even the best-laid plans can go wrong." - "He trained for months, but even the best preparation couldn't prepare him for the grueling race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Even the best.

The New York Times

Even the best hitters succumb.

The New York Times - Sports

Not even the best forecasters.

The New York Times

Germany isn't even the best example.

The New York Times

Even the best techniques need maintenance.

The New York Times

Even the best can come a cropper.

The Economist

Even the best pitchers found Skowron intimidating.

The New York Times - Sports

Even the best players have poor runs.

The New York Times - Sports

"Even the best coaches in the N.F.L.

The New York Times

Even the best blockers have lapses.

The New York Times - Sports

Even the best doctors make mistakes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even the best" to add a touch of realism or humility to your writing, reminding readers that perfection is unattainable.

Common error

Avoid using "even the best" when the context is already overwhelmingly positive; it can sound redundant. Use it to introduce an element of surprise or contrast, not to simply amplify praise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even the best" functions as an intensifier and a qualifier. It highlights that a particular characteristic or limitation applies even to those considered superior. As seen in Ludwig, it's used to emphasize that no one is immune to certain experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even the best" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize that limitations or unexpected events can affect even those at the highest level of performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, remember to introduce contrast or surprise, avoiding overuse in already positive contexts. Alternatives like ""despite the excellence"" or ""even top performers"" can add nuance to your writing. Overall, "even the best" is a valuable tool for adding realism and depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even the greatest

Highlights that even those considered the greatest are not immune.

even top performers

Focuses on high achievement.

even elite individuals

Emphasizes that those at the top can also experience certain situations.

the finest are still

Highlights the exceptional quality of something.

even the cream of the crop

Highlights the high quality of the people or things in question.

top-tier examples also

Highlights the best examples

despite the excellence

Emphasizes a contrast with excellence.

prime examples notwithstanding

Highlights that even the best examples have exceptions.

notwithstanding their superiority

Highlights a degree of unexpectedness.

superior individuals notwithstanding

Implies an exception despite high quality.

FAQs

How can I use "even the best" in a sentence?

Use "even the best" to indicate that a characteristic, flaw, or event can affect entities of high quality or skill. For example, "even the best athletes experience injuries".

What phrases are similar to "even the best"?

Alternatives include "despite the excellence", "even top performers", or "even elite individuals", each emphasizing a nuance of unexpectedness despite high quality.

Is it always appropriate to use "even the best"?

While grammatically correct, "even the best" is most effective when highlighting a contrast or unexpected situation. Overuse can diminish its impact. Make sure that the phrase adds value to your sentence instead of being redundant.

What's the difference between "even the best" and "the best"?

"The best" simply identifies the highest quality, while "even the best" emphasizes that those of the highest quality are still subject to certain conditions or limitations, adding a layer of surprise or unexpectedness.