higher bracket

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "higher bracket" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in discussions about income tax, pricing, or classifications where items or individuals are grouped based on a higher level or range. Example: "Individuals in the higher bracket of income will face increased tax rates under the new legislation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

There is a loophole that may allow couples to avoid being pushed into the higher bracket, however.

The New York Times

The relative can sell it with no tax liability, Ms. Weltman said, though she cautioned, "Be sure the gain does not push her into a higher bracket".

The New York Times

This might not only push you into a higher bracket, but also into possibly higher tax rates — if the government decides to raise them.

The New York Times

Other Democrats want either to reduce the lowest tax rate, or else expand the tax bracket so that it covers more people who now fall into a higher bracket.

The New York Times

But now being in that higher bracket could subject someone to new taxes on other income, like the 3.8 percent Medicare surcharge on investment income, or a phaseout on the value of itemized deductions.

The New York Times

Another is a change in the break for municipal bond interest that assures a middle-income taxpayer would get the same benefit, in dollars, as would a taxpayer in a higher bracket.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Largely because Canada uncoupled tax rates from inflation a decade ago, more taxpayers have shifted into higher brackets.

The New York Times

But in percentage terms, taxpayers in the higher brackets will get smaller tax cuts that those in the lower brackets.

The New York Times

Millions of two-income couples who are in the higher brackets, however, will continue to be penalized.

The New York Times

Income tax brackets are not adjusted for inflation, so that as incomes grow over time, more taxpayers are pushed into the higher brackets.

The New York Times

The HOA said freezing those thresholds had led to a "very marked 'fiscal drag' effect", where rising prices automatically pushed houses into the higher brackets.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing income tax implications, use "higher bracket" to clearly indicate the segment of taxpayers subject to increased rates. For example, "Moving into a "higher bracket" can impact your overall tax liability, so it's crucial to plan accordingly."

Common error

Avoid assuming that moving into a "higher bracket" means all your income is taxed at that rate. Remember that marginal tax rates only apply to the portion of your income that falls within that specific bracket. For example, even if part of your income is in the 22% bracket, the rest will be taxed at lower rates.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "higher bracket" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an adjective-noun combination that modifies a noun, typically in the context of finance or taxation. As Ludwig AI explains, it's frequently found in discussions about income levels and tax rates.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "higher bracket" is a common noun phrase primarily used in discussions of taxation, income, and classification. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its use is grammatically correct and prevalent in news, scientific, and business contexts. The frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources like The New York Times and Forbes underscore its importance in conveying financial and economic concepts. While interchangeable alternatives exist, such as "upper income level" or "top tax tier", the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. Remember that using the phrase properly is crucial for clear communication, particularly in financial discussions. Moving to a "higher bracket" means that you need to consider and check all the tax implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upper income level

Focuses specifically on income, emphasizing the level rather than the tax implications.

top tax tier

Emphasizes the tax aspect, referring to the highest tier or level of taxation.

highest earning group

Highlights the earnings aspect, focusing on the group of individuals with the highest income.

upper echelon

A more general term that signifies the top level or rank, applicable beyond just income.

premium category

Shifts the focus to a category with higher value or quality, often used in marketing or classification.

advanced class

Used to describe the higher class in education

superior grade

Denotes something of higher quality, similar to premium category but more general.

elevated stratum

Refers to a higher social or economic stratum or level.

top percentile

Focuses on statistical ranking, referring to the highest percentage of a group.

luxury segment

Typically used in business to describe high-end products or services.

FAQs

How is the phrase "higher bracket" typically used?

The phrase "higher bracket" is often used in discussions about income tax, referring to individuals or entities with income levels that fall within a range subject to a specific, usually higher, tax rate. It can also refer to pricing or classifications where items or individuals are grouped based on a higher level or range.

What are some alternative ways to say "higher bracket"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "upper income level", "top tax tier", "highest earning group", or "premium category".

How does moving into a "higher bracket" affect my taxes?

Moving into a "higher bracket" means that the portion of your income within that bracket will be taxed at a higher rate. However, it's important to remember that marginal tax rates apply, meaning only the income within that specific bracket is taxed at that rate, not your entire income.

Is it always negative to move into a "higher bracket"?

While moving into a "higher bracket" increases the tax rate on a portion of your income, it often indicates an overall increase in income, which can be a positive thing. It's essential to consider the net effect of the increased income and tax liability to determine the overall impact.