first-rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "first-rate" is correct and perfectly usable in written English.
"First-rate" means excellent or of the highest quality. For example, you could say, "This restaurant serves first-rate cuisine".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 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

First-rate social realism.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first-rate", ensure the context clearly supports the claim of high quality. Provide specific details or examples to substantiate the assessment, enhancing credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "first-rate" in very informal or casual situations, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for more relaxed synonyms like "great" or "excellent" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "first-rate" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate exceptional quality or excellence. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where it consistently describes the quality of various entities, such as "first-rate service" or "first-rate performance".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "first-rate" is an adjective used to describe something of exceptional quality. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and perfectly acceptable in written English. With a very common frequency, it frequently appears in News & Media, business, and slightly less in science contexts. When aiming to highlight something's superior quality, "first-rate" is a strong choice, although in very casual contexts, it may be preferable to use synonyms like "excellent" or "great".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top-notch

Emphasizes the superior quality and excellence.

excellent quality

Highlights the quality aspect of something.

of the highest caliber

Indicates a very high standard of quality or performance.

outstanding

Focuses on something standing out due to its quality.

superior

Denotes something being better than average or other things of its kind.

exceptional

Stresses rarity and being beyond the norm in terms of quality.

premium

Highlights the high price and associated high quality.

world-class

Indicates a level of quality that is recognized globally.

high-grade

Focuses on the quality of materials or components.

state-of-the-art

Implies the use of the most advanced technology or methods, resulting in high quality.

FAQs

How can I use "first-rate" in a sentence?

You can use "first-rate" to describe something of excellent quality. For example, "The restaurant provides "first-rate service"" or "She delivered a "first-rate performance"".

What are some alternatives to using "first-rate"?

Alternatives include "top-notch", "excellent", "outstanding", and "superior". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "first-rate" formal or informal?

"First-rate" is generally considered more formal. In casual conversation, words like "great" or "amazing" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean when something is described as "first-rate"?

When something is described as "first-rate", it means that it is of the highest quality or standard. It implies excellence and superiority in its category.