first among equals

USAGE SUMMARY

This expression is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe someone or something that is superior to all the other members of a group or a team. For example, "Brian was chosen to lead the team since he was first among equals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

First among equals.

The Guardian

First among equals, he channels collaborative energies.

The New Yorker

Who is first among equals?

The Guardian - Business

She is not the first among equals.

The Guardian - Film

The governor should be first among equals.

The Guardian - Opinion

They feel that they're first among equals among other departments.

The Guardian

Howard understood he was the first among equals.

The Guardian

Lincoln is first among equals with 10 nominations.

The Guardian - Film

That's what you get when you're the first among equals.

The Guardian

Borussia's triumph was first and foremost collective, but 22-year-old Sahin was first among equals.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The administration underscored manufacturing's first-among-equals status when announcing its proposed overhaul of the corporate tax code on Wednesday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first among equals," ensure the context clearly establishes that all members are nominally equal in rank or status. This is crucial for the phrase to resonate accurately.

Common error

Avoid using "first among equals" to describe someone who holds a distinctly superior position. The phrase implies a subtle difference in influence within a group of peers, not a formal hierarchy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first among equals" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an individual who holds a position of leadership or influence within a group where all members are nominally equal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is perfectly correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first among equals" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a leader who is nominally equal to their peers but holds a position of influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, business, and encyclopedic writings. When using the expression, remember that this person must be part of the group and on the same level as his/her peers, but at the same time, exert a higher leadership and influence than the rest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primus inter pares

The original Latin phrase with the same meaning; suitable for formal contexts.

chief among peers

A more literal substitution, emphasizing leadership among equals.

leading figure

Focuses on prominence and influence rather than formal equality.

principal leader

Highlights leading as primary.

preeminent member

Highlights superiority in skill or status within the group.

foremost individual

Highlights being the most important or prominent.

head of the pack

More informal, suggesting dominance in a competitive setting.

the most influential

Emphasizes the degree of impact one has on others.

unchallenged leader

Focuses on lack of competitors, highlighting dominance.

top of the list

Indicates ranking or prioritization rather than leadership.

FAQs

How can "first among equals" be used in a sentence?

You can use "first among equals" to describe someone like a team leader who is part of the team but has a stronger influence: "Although all senators have equal power, the majority leader is often considered the "first among equals"."

What's a more formal way to say "first among equals"?

A more formal alternative to "first among equals" is the Latin phrase "primus inter pares", which carries the same meaning and is often used in academic or historical contexts.

What phrases are similar to "first among equals"?

Similar phrases include "leading figure", "chief among peers", or "most influential". These alternatives capture the sense of leadership or influence within a group.

Is it correct to say "first among equal" instead of "first among equals"?

No, the correct phrasing is "first among equals". "Equals" indicates that there are multiple individuals who are considered peers. Using "equal" would be grammatically incorrect in this context.