excellent university

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excellent university" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a university that is highly regarded for its academic quality, programs, or reputation. Example: "She chose to apply to an excellent university known for its engineering program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He was also an excellent university administrator.

Independent

"Leaving aside social science, the Soviets had a really excellent university system — which has largely been destroyed," Mr. Altbach said.

The New York Times

I think she saw the university as an excellent university, but she thought it could be better!

The New Yorker

He introduced heroin to a girlfriend — a good student who had a scholarship to an excellent university.

The New Yorker

While Cal State Long Beach is an excellent university, upgrading to U.C.S.D. as a "backup" is simply — for lack of a better word — amazing.

The New York Times

Plymouth's vice-chancellor and chief executive, Prof Wendy Purcell, said: "We are an excellent university, and are now shaping ourselves to sustain a great future.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

There are many absolutely excellent universities in Europe.

Independent

London's excellent universities provide plenty of engineering and science graduates.

The Economist

It enjoyed excellent universities, world-class industries, smooth roads and political stability.

The Guardian

IN ORDER TO produce innovative research and to stretch the best brains, a modern, democratic country needs excellent universities.

The Economist

Miss Spence was offered places at several other excellent universities, including Edinburgh, Mr Brown's own alma mater.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a university, consider using the phrase "excellent university" to convey its high quality and strong reputation. However, be specific about what makes it "excellent" by providing supporting details about its programs, faculty, or research opportunities.

Common error

Avoid simply stating a university is an "excellent university" without providing context or evidence. Always support your claim with specific details that demonstrate its merits, such as its high graduation rate, notable faculty, or innovative programs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excellent university" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "excellent" modifies the noun "university". This structure highlights the high quality or superior nature of the university. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excellent university" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a university of high quality. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It functions as an adjective-noun combination, primarily serving to positively evaluate an institution, often with the purpose of informing or persuading. While suitable for various contexts, it tends to lean towards a neutral to formal tone, most often appearing in news media and scientific publications. To avoid vague praise, it is advisable to follow the phrase with specific evidence supporting the university's excellence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top-tier university

Emphasizes ranking and competitive status.

prestigious university

Highlights the university's reputation and standing.

renowned university

Focuses on widespread recognition and fame.

leading university

Suggests a position of prominence and influence in its field.

distinguished university

Conveys a sense of honor and respectability.

highly-regarded university

Emphasizes the positive opinion held by others.

esteemed university

Implies a sense of deep respect and admiration.

first-rate university

Highlights the superior quality of the institution.

world-class university

Indicates international recognition and high standards.

exceptional university

Focuses on the institution's uncommon level of quality.

FAQs

How can I use "excellent university" in a sentence?

You can use "excellent university" to describe a university that has high standards in academics, research, and facilities. For example, "She decided to attend an "excellent university" known for its engineering program".

What are some alternatives to "excellent university"?

Alternatives to "excellent university" include "top-tier university", "prestigious university", or "renowned university", depending on the specific quality you want to emphasize.

Is it redundant to say "very excellent university"?

Yes, using "very" with "excellent" is generally redundant. "Excellent" already implies a high degree of quality, so "excellent university" is sufficient.

Which is better, an "excellent university" or a "good university"?

An "excellent university" implies a higher level of quality and achievement compared to a "good university". "Excellent" suggests exceptional standards, while "good" simply indicates a satisfactory level of quality. An "excellent university" is typically seen as better.