first in his class

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first in his class" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone achieving the best results in a particular class or group. For example, "John was always first in his class, and this dedication led to him receiving a prestigious university scholarship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was always first in his class.

The New York Times - Magazine

He finished first in his class.

The New York Times

"In school, he always stood first in his class.

The New York Times

Scalia graduated in 1957, first in his class.

The New Yorker

"He was first in his class at Yale and first in his class at Harvard Law School".

The New York Times

Nimitz was first in his class to receive command.

The New Yorker

As usual, he graduated first in his class.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was graduated from high school ranking first in his class.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was a 1935 graduate of NYU, School of Commerce, first in his class.

The New York Times

In 1938 Sol Linowitz received his J.D. from Cornell Law School, graduating first in his class.

The New York Times

Twenty-five of these graduated as pilots, and Mr. Sakai was first in his class.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first in his class", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Specify the institution or program if it's not immediately obvious (e.g., "first in his class at Harvard Law School").

Common error

Avoid assuming "first in his class" implies overall expertise in a field beyond the specific educational program. While it indicates academic excellence, it doesn't guarantee competence in unrelated areas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first in his class" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (usually a person's name or pronoun) to indicate their superior academic ranking. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts to highlight achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first in his class" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote exceptional academic performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and applicable in written English. It functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, emphasizing an individual's academic excellence and competitive success. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and Wikipedia, indicating a neutral to professional register. When using the phrase, ensure that the context is clear and avoid overstating its implications beyond academic achievements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top of his class

Emphasizes overall ranking but might not necessarily mean 'number one'.

ranked highest in his class

Highlights the ranking aspect, useful in formal contexts.

leading his class

Focuses on the act of being ahead rather than the final position.

best student in his class

Simple and direct way to express superior academic performance.

placed first among his peers

Highlights competitive aspect, emphasizing position among equals.

valedictorian

Specifically refers to the student who delivers the farewell speech, typically the highest-ranking.

excelled in his class

Emphasizes exceptional performance rather than specific ranking.

achieved the highest grades in his class

Focuses on the academic achievement rather than the ranking.

graduated with honors

Highlights graduation achievements, but may not necessarily mean the very top position.

outstanding student

General term for a very good student, might not be the top one.

FAQs

How can I use "first in his class" in a sentence?

You can use "first in his class" to describe someone who achieved the highest ranking in their academic program. For example, "She was "first in her class" at West Point and went on to have a distinguished military career."

What are some alternatives to saying "first in his class"?

Alternatives include "top of his class", "leading his class", or "valedictorian", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "first in his class" in a formal setting?

Yes, "first in his class" is appropriate for formal settings such as resumes, biographies, and professional presentations to highlight academic achievements.

What does being "first in his class" typically imply?

Being "first in his class" generally implies exceptional academic performance, a strong work ethic, and a high level of competence in the subject matter of their studies.