high-flying academic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "high-flying academic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is very successful or ambitious in the academic field, often associated with high achievements or status. Example: "The university invited a high-flying academic to give a lecture on the latest research in artificial intelligence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

LEAVES OF GRASS Edward Norton plays identical twins, one a high-flying academic and the other a professional marijuana farmer, in a comedy written and directed by Tim Blake Nelson.

The New York Times

During his lifetime he was perceived as a high-flying academic, a widely admired business executive, a ruthless killer of innocent women and children, and the man who did most to alleviate the developing world's chronic poverty.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A few years ago I had quite a high flying academic career, a PhD and a government job, and I quit it all to get involved in New Dawn Traders – to jump on a zero carbon motorless ship and sail to the Caribbean and back to trade rum, chocolate and spices.

The Guardian

Thomas reportedly bemoaned a 'parasitic' relationship between high-flying popular historians, who let poor academics slave away in archives, doing the real work of research, before nabbing their findings and using them in mass-market paperbacks.

The Guardian

Even the high-flying charters, where inner city kids showed impressive academic growth, had weaknesses: teacher burnout, a shortage of great school leaders and an addiction to foundation funding that impeded rapid expansion.

Huffington Post

THE opening scene in the drama of Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce finds the high-flying couple rubbing shoulders with politicians, journalists and academics at one of their famed soirées in the mid-2000s.

The Economist

When he first glimpsed it Mr Esterly was a high-flying Harvard and Cambridge literature graduate, on the brink of an academic career.

The Economist

But the reason success stories are told and retold – of the high-flying ex-dropout or the tycoon who triumphed despite a poor academic record – is precisely because they're unusual.

The Guardian

Following a further year at Oxford, he spent academic years at Toronto and Harvard university hospitals – common destinations for potentially high-flying British doctors.

The Guardian

"We're very adaptive and very much a 'light-touch' institution with a high degree of independence and academic freedom," says Glees, adding this freedom also extends to the recruitment of teaching staff with high-flying careers in the real world.

Independent

This was easier said than done, since, unlike the high-flying Cleveland Magnet model, our version would draw from a population of students who, in many cases, were already gasping for academic survival and whose parents weren't informed or available enough to constantly lobby on behalf of their kids' futures.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "high-flying academic" to describe individuals who have achieved significant success and recognition in their academic careers. It implies a level of ambition and accomplishment beyond the ordinary.

Common error

Avoid using "high-flying academic" to describe success in fields unrelated to academia. The phrase is specific to scholarly achievements and may sound out of place if applied to business, sports, or other areas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high-flying academic" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "academic". It indicates a person who is exceptionally successful and prominent in their academic field. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "high-flying academic" describes an individual who has achieved significant success and recognition in their academic career. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing, typically used in news and media or academic contexts. Alternative phrases include "successful academic" or "prominent scholar". When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects exceptional scholarly achievements and is not misapplied to non-academic fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

successful academic

Emphasizes achievement and accomplishment in academic pursuits.

prominent scholar

Highlights the scholar's widespread recognition and influence.

leading academic

Focuses on the individual's role as a frontrunner in their academic field.

distinguished professor

Highlights the professor's exceptional reputation and merit.

top-tier scholar

Implies the scholar belongs to the highest echelon of academic professionals.

accomplished researcher

Focuses specifically on the individual's successful research contributions.

renowned expert

Highlights the expert's widespread fame and deep knowledge.

esteemed academic

Emphasizes the high regard and respect held for the academic.

high-achieving scholar

Directly points to the scholar's high level of accomplishment.

up-and-coming academic

Suggests someone with great potential and a promising future in academia.

FAQs

How can I use "high-flying academic" in a sentence?

You might say, "The university invited a "high-flying academic" to lead the new research initiative" or "She is known as a "high-flying academic" in the field of astrophysics".

What are some alternatives to "high-flying academic"?

Consider using phrases like "successful academic", "prominent scholar", or "leading academic" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "high-flying academic" in formal writing?

Yes, "high-flying academic" is suitable for formal writing. It is commonly used in news articles, academic reports, and professional communications to describe accomplished individuals in academia.

What distinguishes a "high-flying academic" from an ordinary academic?

A "high-flying academic" typically has a record of significant achievements, such as publishing influential research, receiving prestigious awards, or holding leadership positions in their field. It implies a level of success and recognition beyond typical academic standards.