highest of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highest of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the utmost degree or level of something, often in a comparative context. Example: "She achieved the highest of honors in her academic career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's the highest of the highest.

The Guardian - Sport

I'll have the highest of high standards.

The New York Times

Mike was the consummate professional at the highest of levels.

The New York Times

Perhaps the highest of any development group I've worked with.

The Guardian

I have the highest of respect for him.

The Guardian

The Birleys were the highest of haute bohemia.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm going to end on the highest of highs".

The New York Times - Sports

But prices in Britain are the highest of all.

The New York Times

For Schopenhauer, music was the highest of the arts.

The Guardian

Massachusetts ranked highest of the states in academic preparation.

The New York Times

The highest, of course, beckon only daring or suicidal climbers.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highest of", ensure the context clearly establishes the group or range being compared to avoid ambiguity. For example, "the highest of all mountains in the range" is more precise than simply "the highest mountain."

Common error

Avoid using "highest of" in very informal conversation where simpler words like "top" or "best" would be more natural. For example, instead of saying "That's the highest of compliments", consider saying "That's a great compliment."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highest of" functions as a superlative modifier, indicating the uppermost level or degree within a specified group or category. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is frequently employed in comparative contexts to denote something surpassing all others in a particular attribute or ranking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "highest of" is a versatile superlative modifier, indicating the uppermost level or degree within a given context. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in news and media, and also present in scientific and wiki sources, this phrase serves to emphasize superiority or prominence. For alternatives, consider "top of" or "utmost of", while avoiding overuse in overly informal situations. Remember to clearly define the comparison group for clarity when using "highest of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top of

This alternative denotes a position at the very summit or upper limit of something, similar to "highest of" but more concise.

utmost of

This option signifies the greatest extent or degree, sharing the implication of reaching a maximum level like "highest of".

peak of

This implies reaching the maximum point in terms of achievement or intensity, akin to "highest of" in terms of representing an apex.

best of

This phrase highlights the most excellent or desirable aspect of a group, similar to "highest of" when emphasizing quality or performance.

greatest of

This option directly denotes the largest or most significant item in a set, analogous to "highest of" in terms of scale.

maximum of

This directly expresses the largest possible quantity or degree, mirroring "highest of" in a quantitative context.

uppermost of

This indicates the position at the very top, similar to "highest of" but may sometimes imply a physical location.

prime of

This suggests being at the best stage of life or development, related to "highest of" when discussing potential or capabilities.

elite of

This term refers to the most skilled or successful individuals in a group, connected to "highest of" when referring to achievement and ability.

superior of

This alternative indicates being better or more advanced than others, linking to "highest of" when highlighting comparative excellence.

FAQs

How can I use "highest of" in a sentence?

The phrase "highest of" is used to indicate something that ranks at the top or maximum level within a defined set or category. For example, "She achieved the "highest of" honors in her class" indicates she received the top honor.

What phrases can I use instead of "highest of"?

Alternatives to "highest of" include phrases like "top of", "utmost of", or "peak of" depending on the specific context and intended nuance.

Is it correct to say "the highest of all"?

Yes, saying "the highest of all" is grammatically correct and emphasizes that something is at the very top compared to everything else in the group. For instance, "This is the "highest of" all priorities."

What is the difference between "highest of" and "most"?

While both indicate a superlative, "highest of" implies a ranking within a specific set, whereas "most" is more general. For example, "highest of" is suitable in "the "highest of" the mountains", while "most" works in "the most beautiful view".