high

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "high" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in various contexts, for example to describe the temperature, a person's voice, the magnitude of something, or a feeling. For example: "The temperature had reached record highs this summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So the stakes are high.

The New York Times

But Greek voters are equally certain that it's unfair for them to suffer years of slim government budgets and high unemployment in order to repay foreign banks and richer northern neighbors, which have reaped outsized benefits from closer European integration.

The New York Times

Expectations are high.

The New York Times - Sports

It's gone full cycle and it ends on a high note".

The Guardian

"Protesters were shouting and screaming at a very high volume.

The Guardian

Unemployment remains high.

The New York Times

Nazarbayev permitted a relatively high degree of political activity until the emergence of a reform movement called Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan, backed by several wealthy business people, in late 2001.

The Guardian

Margaret Hodge, a former Labour minister and chair of the Commons public accounts committee, also defended the policy, arguing consumers are suffering too much from high prices.

The Guardian - Money

"This was during a period of high intensity, with an unprecedented number of arrivals and an increased number of people presenting with a range of significant, complex medical conditions".

The Guardian

He renamed months of the year in honour of himself and his mother, and wrote a lifestyle guide, the Ruhnama, which became required reading for high school and university students.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Guardian Masterclasses are designed to provide an enjoyable and high-quality experience for those attending.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "high" to describe a value or quantity, ensure the context is clear. For example, "high demand" is more specific than simply "high."

Common error

Avoid using "high" when "highly" is grammatically correct. "Highly" is an adverb and should be used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, while "high" is an adjective and should be used to modify nouns.

Linguistic Context

The word "high" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate elevation, intensity, or a superior degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable across various contexts. Examples from Ludwig show it describing "high prices", "high expectations", and "high office".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "high" is a versatile adjective used to denote elevation, intensity, or superiority. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and broad usability. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, demonstrating its neutral register. When using "high", it's crucial to ensure that the context clarifies the specific attribute being described, and to avoid confusing it with the adverb "highly". Common alternatives include "elevated", "lofty", and "tall", each with slightly different nuances. Whether describing "high prices", "high expectations", or a "high court", "high" remains a prevalent and adaptable word in English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elevated

Indicates a higher position or level, often physically, but can also apply to status or importance.

lofty

Implies great height or nobility, often used metaphorically for ideals or ambitions.

tall

Refers specifically to physical height, often in a literal sense.

intense

Describes a great degree of something such as heat or emotion, similar to "high" when describing intensity.

supreme

Indicates the highest level of quality or authority.

significant

Emphasizes the importance or magnitude of something.

substantial

Indicates a considerable amount or size.

major

Implies great importance or seriousness.

considerable

Indicates a notable degree or extent.

pronounced

Describes something that is very noticeable or distinct.

FAQs

How to use "high" in a sentence?

You can use "high" to describe something that is elevated, intense, or of great value. For example: "The stakes are "high"." or "The building is very "high"."

What can I say instead of "high"?

You can use alternatives like "elevated", "lofty", or "tall" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "high" or "highly"?

"High" is an adjective, while "highly" is an adverb. Use "high" to describe nouns and "highly" to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. For example: "high prices" vs. "highly effective".

What's the difference between "high" and "tall"?

"High" and "tall" both refer to vertical extent, but "tall" is typically used for objects that are narrow relative to their height, while "high" can refer to a broader range of elevated positions or levels. For example, a person is "tall", a mountain is "high".