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first-rate institution

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first-rate institution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an organization, especially in the context of education or quality, indicating that it is of the highest standard. Example: "Harvard University is often regarded as a first-rate institution for higher education."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I was fortunate to land at a first-rate institution for my first full-time job in the museum world, and Bill's door was always open — well, you had to knock first, but he always had time for conversation, counsel, and advice, and was open to suggestions on making UCMP a better place to work, learn, and grow.

Without her, hardly anyone is left who understands all of physics and teaches it in a universal way". "In coming to the University of California at San Diego in 1960, Professor Bonner was attracted mainly by the youthful vigor of the new campus and the clear dedication of its leaders to the development of an uncompromisingly first-rate institution.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Like Harvard's Adams, Hertzberg taught at first-rate institutions (Columbia, Dartmouth, New York University) yet his, as he says often, was not a cloistered academic life but one in which he sought to make "a difference, a real difference".

We're glad that the same movement has spread to Europe, where Glasgow University has begun the same process, and to Australia where first-rate institutions, including the University of Sydney and the Australian National University have taken steps along the same path.

News & Media

The Guardian

There's also the TKTS booth in Leicester Square, and many of the fringe theaters, including first-rate institutions like the Bush and the Finborough and the Gate, are quite reasonable to begin with.

News & Media

The New York Times

Marriage, children, 10 years teaching math at the local middle school,... 14 trying, as principal, to elevate it from a third-rate institution to a second-rate one.

New York University, a historically second or third rate institution, is arguably still second or third rate, but it nevertheless now rivals Columbia University in status because it has expanded brutally, whereas Columbia has mostly stayed confined.

Houston was a distinguished man: Amherst Class of '15, Phi Beta Kappa, Harvard Law Review, the legendary dean of Howard University's law school, which he single-handedly transformed from a second-rate institution into a laboratory for cutting-edge litigation.

I was thrilled, therefore, to visit the museum last week, and find that it has been transformed into a first rate institution.

News & Media

Forbes

Regent Bonnie Reiss seemed to speak for many at the board's San Francisco meeting when she voted for the increase with what she described as "sadness and disgust". "I hate that we have been forced by our state politicians to raise tuition, but I hate even more the possibility of letting UC slide into becoming a second-rate institution," Reiss said.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

Stakeholders were categorized on a perceived rating of level of power and influence against their role, interest, as well as, their expectations on the development and functioning of the college as a first rate institution The stakeholders were broadly grouped into 4: (A) low interest/low power, (B) high interest/low power, (C) low interest/high power, and (D) high interest/high power.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an institution, use "first-rate institution" to clearly convey that it is of the highest quality and stands out for its excellence. This phrase is particularly effective when you want to emphasize the institution's superior standards in education, research, or overall performance.

Common error

Avoid using "first-rate" excessively in a single piece of writing. While it's a strong descriptor, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "top-tier", "high-quality", or "leading" to maintain reader engagement.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first-rate institution" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective phrase "first-rate" modifies the noun "institution". Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe an establishment of superior quality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

32%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first-rate institution" is a phrase used to describe an organization, typically in education, research, or culture, that is of exceptional quality and standing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts. While it is most commonly found in News & Media and Academia, its formal tone makes it appropriate for professional and scientific writing as well. When using the phrase, consider synonyms like "top-tier institution" or "high-quality institution" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement. Remember to employ it judiciously to emphasize the exceptional nature of the institution being described.

FAQs

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

You can use "first-rate institution" to describe a school, university, museum, or any organization known for its excellence. For example, "The University of Oxford is a "first-rate institution" known for its research."

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

Alternatives include "top-tier institution", "high-quality institution", "leading institution", or "premier institution". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "first-rate institution" formal or informal?

"First-rate institution" is generally considered a formal and professional term. It's suitable for academic papers, business reports, and news articles. In more casual settings, you might opt for simpler terms like "great school" or "excellent organization".

What makes an institution "first-rate"?

An institution may be considered "first-rate" due to factors such as excellent faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, groundbreaking research, high student achievement, and a strong reputation within its field. It signifies overall high quality and exceptional performance.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: