highest mark possible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highest mark possible" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the maximum score or grade achievable in a particular context, such as exams or assessments. An example could be: "She aimed for the highest mark possible in her final exam." Alternative expressions include "maximum score" and "top grade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He went on to earn the highest mark possible, a 5, on an Advanced Placement exam in calculus.

The New York Times

The new building is a jewel of a soccer ground, a UEFA Elite Stadium (Category 4), the highest mark possible.

The New York Times

35% of data scientists gave their job the highest mark possible.

Forbes

They had already awarded the highest mark possible to Shushunova, so this had to be another 10.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If you think this a tendentious remark, consider the following fact: that 0.28% of students who take the international baccalaureate achieve the highest marks possible in that examination, whereas over 25% of students who take A-levels achieve three A grades.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the cash did not translate into high marks among possible voters as a CNN poll conducted December 9 11 found that Bayh had the support of only 1% of self-identified Democrats, placing him seventh among possible candidates.

Wikipedia

The highest mark 10 (Top-box) represented the best possible availability.

BMC Family Practice

Utah earned the highest marks.

Forbes

Get the highest marks in all subjects.

WikiHow

And he got an even higher mark.

The New York Times - Sports

That set a real high mark.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing academic performance, use "highest mark possible" to clearly communicate that a student achieved the best result. It's concise and widely understood in educational settings.

Common error

Avoid using "highest mark possible" when referring to subjective qualities or opinions. This phrase is specific to quantifiable scores or grades, not general estimations of quality. Instead use "highly regarded" or "top-ranked" when referring to subjective assessments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highest mark possible" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quality of a score or grade, indicating that it is the best achievable. As Ludwig suggests, this phrase is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "highest mark possible" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote the best achievable score or grade in an assessment. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase suitable for various contexts. While its usage is primarily observed in News & Media, it also appears in Science and Wiki sources. Alternatives like "maximum possible grade" or "perfect score" can be used, but the original phrase effectively communicates the intended meaning. Remember to reserve this phrase for quantifiable scores, avoiding its use with subjective assessments. Overall, "highest mark possible" is a clear and widely understood way to express top performance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maximum possible grade

Replaces "mark" with "grade" to denote academic performance; slightly changes the tone to more formal.

top score achievable

Focuses on the 'score' aspect and uses 'achievable' to emphasize attainability.

best grade attainable

Replaces "possible" with "attainable", highlighting the feasibility of achieving the grade.

maximum achievable score

Combines "maximum" and "achievable" to stress both the upper limit and the feasibility.

perfect score

Uses "perfect" to emphasize flawlessness, changing the nuance slightly.

full marks

An idiomatic alternative, common in British English, meaning a perfect score.

top grade

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the 'grade' aspect and omitting "possible".

peak achievement

Moves away from academic grading and focuses on general accomplishment.

ultimate distinction

Emphasizes exceptionality and status rather than a numerical score.

optimum result

Shifts the context from academic grading to a more general outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "highest mark possible" in a sentence?

You can use "highest mark possible" to describe a perfect score or grade. For example, "She received the "highest mark possible" on her calculus exam."

What does "highest mark possible" mean?

"Highest mark possible" refers to the maximum score or grade that can be achieved in an assessment or evaluation.

What are some alternatives to "highest mark possible"?

Alternatives include "maximum possible grade", "top score achievable", or "perfect score".

Is "highest mark possible" formal or informal?

"Highest mark possible" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts when discussing academic or standardized test results.