first rate

USAGE SUMMARY

"first rate" is a perfectly appropriate and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to indicate a level of excellence or quality. For example, "That artist gave a first rate performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's first rate.

The New York Times

Absolutely first rate.

Independent

The sound is first rate.

The New York Times

SERVICE -- First rate.

The New York Times

Both were first rate.

The New York Times

First rate design.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"He was first-rate.

The New Yorker

"Gerald is first-rate.

The New Yorker

Really first-rate.

The New Yorker

Service is first-rate.

The New York Times

"It's really first-rate".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first rate" to describe something of exceptional quality or performance. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "first rate" when describing something mediocre or average. Using it inaccurately diminishes its impact and can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first rate" primarily functions as a compound adjective, modifying nouns to indicate superior quality or excellence. Ludwig examples show it describing restaurants, service, food, and design, among other things.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first rate" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something of exceptional quality. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in written English. Predominantly used in News & Media, it serves to convey admiration or approval, as seen in numerous examples describing various services and products. While highly versatile, it's best to reserve it for items or services that truly stand out, and it should be avoided when describing something mediocre. Alternatives like "top-notch" or "excellent quality" can also be used for similar purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top-notch

Uses a hyphenated adjective instead of two separate words to convey superior quality.

excellent quality

Replaces the idiomatic phrase with a more literal description of high quality.

superior

A single adjective that expresses a higher level of quality or performance.

outstanding

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of something, suggesting it stands out from others.

high-caliber

Suggests a high level of competence or quality, often used in professional contexts.

exceptional

Highlights the rarity and superiority of something.

premium quality

Focuses on the superior quality of goods or services, often implying a higher price point.

of the highest standard

A more formal way of expressing that something meets or exceeds expectations.

world-class

Indicates that something is among the best in the world.

state-of-the-art

Implies that something is modern and uses the most advanced technology.

FAQs

How to use "first rate" in a sentence?

You can use "first rate" to describe something of exceptional quality, such as "The restaurant provides first rate service" or "The quality of their products is first rate".

What can I say instead of "first rate"?

You can use alternatives like "top-notch", "excellent quality", or "superior" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "first rate" or "first-rate"?

"First rate" (two words) and "first-rate" (hyphenated) are both acceptable. "First-rate" is often used as a compound adjective before a noun, while "first rate" can be used after a verb, such as 'is first rate'.

What does "first rate" mean?

"First rate" means of the highest quality or standard, indicating something is excellent or superb.