foremost rank

USAGE SUMMARY

"foremost rank" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone or something that holds the highest position or status in a particular context. An example: "She has achieved a foremost rank in her field of research." Alternative expressions include "top position" and "leading rank."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

George Bernard Shaw, writing in 1898, accused Mendelssohn of "despicable oratorio-mongering"; for all his fame, he said, he "was not in the foremost rank of great composers".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

According to Pausanias, the Greek traveller and geographer of the 2nd century ce, the colossal 30-foot-high bronze seated statue of Athena Promachos (Athena Who Fights in the Foremost Ranks), by the 5th-century-bce Athenian sculptor Phidias, was set up in the open behind the Propylaea, her gleaming helmet and spear visible to mariners off Cape Sunium (Soúnion) 30 miles away.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now, thanks to this unprecedented construction boom of data centers, Cisco is poised to vault to the foremost ranks of high technology, alongside the $100 billion (revenues) giants Hewlett-Packard and IBM.

Forbes

15, page 173; in this brief review of The Descent of Man, and Selection in Reference to Sex, it is stated that the author, Charles Darwin, "displays the same wealth of learning and ingenuity...which has placed him in the foremost ranks of philosophic naturalists.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Though they succeeded in breaking the two or three foremost ranks, Essex's men could not penetrate further.

Wikipedia

Her position as the foremost American female sculptor of the century was unchallenged during her lifetime, although critical estimation of her Neoclassical style never afterward placed her in the first rank of artists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When we asked the JetBlue Chairman what his criterion were for investing he said that, while funding great people has to be any investor's top motive, he unilaterally ranks leadership foremost when evaluating deals.

TechCrunch

"Thus her narrative deserves to rank with the foremost prison diaries of our time". After she was released from prison, Mrs. Cheng found herself still under suspicion.

The Washington Post

Stanley Karnow, reviewing it in The Washington Post, echoed the prevailing critical response when he wrote that "her narrative deserves to rank with the foremost prison diaries of our time".

The New York Times

And if you choose to become one of my friends, you will rank with the foremost, for I see no trace of treachery in you, nothing to excite mistrust; or if you wish to live at Athens on other terms, you have my permission.

University of Chicago

Peer down the list of job titles and responsibilities for pro football coaches and the glory jobs rank this way: first and foremost, head coach, followed by offensive and defensive coordinator.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foremost rank" when you want to emphasize that someone or something belongs to the highest level of a hierarchy or is among the most important in a specific field.

Common error

Avoid using "foremost rank" in casual conversation or informal writing. This phrase is better suited for formal or academic contexts where a sense of hierarchy or importance is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foremost rank" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a complement or object to describe the position or status of an individual or entity within a hierarchy. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "foremost rank" denotes a high-status position within a hierarchy. Grammatically correct, it's best suited for formal contexts, as noted by Ludwig. While examples are rare, they are sourced from reputable outlets like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. Alternative phrases such as "leading position" or "top tier" can provide similar meaning, depending on the desired nuance. The analysis of Ludwig suggests that while its usage isn't widespread, "foremost rank" is a valid and effective way to express prominence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foremost position

Similar to the original, but replaces "rank" with "position".

front ranks

This phrase is very similar, focusing on being at the forefront or leading edge.

highest echelon

This alternative emphasizes the hierarchical structure and suggests a top-tier position.

leading position

This alternative is a more direct and common way to express a prominent or influential role.

prime position

This emphasizes the advantageous and important nature of the role.

upper echelons

This phrase implies a high level of authority and influence within an organization or system.

top tier

This alternative suggests being among the best or most successful in a particular group or field.

vanguard position

This alternative suggests a position of leadership and innovation.

top spot

This is a more informal way of saying the highest or best position.

elite level

Focuses on exclusivity and superior performance.

FAQs

What does "foremost rank" mean?

"Foremost rank" refers to the highest or most important position within a hierarchy or field. It signifies being among the leaders or most prominent figures.

How can I use "foremost rank" in a sentence?

You can use "foremost rank" to describe someone or something that is in a leading or prominent position. For example, "She has achieved a "foremost rank" in her field of research."

Which is a better phrase, "foremost rank" or "leading position"?

Both "foremost rank" and "leading position" are valid, but "foremost rank" is more formal and emphasizes a hierarchical structure, while "leading position" is a more general term for a prominent role.

What are some alternatives to "foremost rank"?

Alternatives to "foremost rank" include "highest echelon", "top tier", and "front ranks".