in a different class

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a different class" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that is of a higher quality than something else. For example, "This musician is in a different class compared to the others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Discussing sex differences in the brain puts this paper in a different class altogether and probably for good reasons.

Biology of Sex Differences

Ascent, though, is in a different class altogether.

The Guardian - Books

He puts the rookie Chris Paul in a different class.

The New York Times

But the newcomers are in a different class of poverty.

The Economist

That puts me in a different class from traditional conservationism.

The New York Times - Magazine

Artistically, "Game of Thrones" is in a different class from "House of Lies," "Californication," and "Entourage".

The New Yorker

I imagine something similar in the old Delhi airport would've been in a different class.

The Guardian - Sport

"They make you feel better about yourself, and put you in a different class".

The New York Times

Politicians rarely admit mistakes, but Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev always was in a different class.

The Guardian

"You could see today when he feels fresh he's in a different class," Backe said.

The New York Times - Sports

Well, the sun, sea, sand and sailing are in a different class here.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a different class" to emphasize a significant difference in quality, skill, or status between two subjects. For instance, "Her performance was "in a different class" compared to the other contestants."

Common error

Avoid using "in a different class" when simply describing differences without implying superiority. For instance, saying "They offer a different class of service" is acceptable, but ensure your context supports the implied higher standard.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a different class" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of being superior or distinct. It is commonly used to emphasize a notable difference in quality, skill, or status, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a different class" is a versatile and widely used expression that signifies superiority or distinctiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and acceptable in written English. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media, with a noticeable presence in Science and other contexts. The phrase functions as a prepositional phrase, serving to highlight significant differences in quality, skill, or status. It is a powerful tool for emphasizing admiration or exceptional performance. Alternatives such as ""a cut above"" or "head and shoulders above" offer similar nuances. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the implied superiority and that you're not merely stating a difference without the connotation of higher quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cut above

This alternative suggests a higher level of quality or skill.

head and shoulders above

This alternative emphasizes a significant difference in quality or ability.

in a league of its own

This alternative highlights the uniqueness and unmatched quality of something.

on another level

This alternative conveys a sense of higher status or quality.

second to none

This alternative signifies that something is the best and incomparable.

in a superior category

This alternative emphasizes the higher ranking or classification of something.

of a higher caliber

This alternative denotes a greater degree of excellence or quality.

streets ahead

This alternative implies a significant advancement or superiority.

unchallenged

This alternative emphasizes a lack of competition due to high quality.

beyond compare

This alternative denotes an unparalleled quality, suggesting nothing can be compared to it.

FAQs

How can I use "in a different class" in a sentence?

You can use "in a different class" to highlight a significant difference in quality or ability. For example, "The new smartphone's camera is "a cut above" the previous model, putting it "in a different class"."

What are some alternatives to saying "in a different class"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""a cut above"", "head and shoulders above", or "in a league of its own", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "in a different class" in formal writing?

Yes, it is acceptable in formal writing, especially when comparing entities where a clear distinction in quality or performance exists. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong comparison.

What's the difference between saying something is "in a different class" versus "superior"?

"Superior" directly states higher quality, while "in a different class" implies a more holistic difference, suggesting a distinction that goes beyond mere quality and encompasses overall characteristics or capabilities. For instance, a product might be "of a higher caliber", thus placing it "in a different class".