in a league of its own

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a league of its own" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that something is exceptional or superior compared to other similar things. Example: "The new sports car is truly in a league of its own, surpassing all other models in performance and design."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But Fox's girl group saga is in a league of its own when it comes to the talent behind its soundtrack.

Los Angeles Times

But compared with other German clubs it is in a league of its own.

The Economist

ESPN likes to call itself the Worldwide Leader in Sports, and by most every measure it is in a league of its own.

The New York Times - Sports

"It seems to me what happened today was so startlingly different and professional and cold-blooded it's in a league of its own," he said.

Vice

It is militarily in a league of its own.

The Washington Post

It's going to be in a league of its own, and I can't wait to read about you guys in the Emmys".

The New Yorker

It's important that the pool is in a league of its own".

The New York Times

That was in a league of its own.

The New York Times - Sports

What puts America in a league of its own?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Our Beijing embassy team is in a league of its own.

The Guardian - Business

Swarbrick's Notre Dame won't find that kind of cheddar playing in a league of its own.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a league of its own" to emphasize the distinctiveness and superiority of something. Avoid using it when simply stating that something is good; it implies a significant difference in quality.

Common error

Don't use "in a league of its own" for trivial distinctions. Reserve it for situations where the difference is substantial and clearly sets something apart from its competitors or peers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a league of its own" functions as an idiomatic expression used to denote something that is distinctively superior or unique, setting it apart from others in its category. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a league of its own" is a commonly used idiom to describe something distinctively superior or unique. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is grammatically correct and frequently employed in written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase serves to emphasize exceptional qualities and is generally neutral in register. To use it effectively, reserve it for situations where the difference is substantial, avoiding overuse for trivial distinctions. Alternatives include "unparalleled" and "second to none", each offering slightly different nuances while conveying the same core message of exceptionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In a class of its own

Synonymous, replacing "league" with "class", while maintaining the overall structure and meaning.

Second to none

Highlights the phrase's superior standing by negating any possibility of a rival or equivalent.

Without equal

Emphasizes the lack of comparable entities, focusing on uniqueness.

Unparalleled

Single word alternative, replacing the entire phrase with a single adjective emphasizing lack of comparison.

Stands alone

Highlights the subject's isolation in terms of quality or achievement.

Incomparable

Single word alternative; a direct adjective expressing the impossibility of comparison.

Unequaled

Single word substitution, changing the phrase to a direct statement of unmatched quality.

Beyond compare

Emphasizes the lack of comparable entities, shifting focus from belonging to surpassing.

The best of the best

Replaces the idiom with a superlative emphasizing top-tier quality.

Sets the standard

Indicates the entity establishes a new benchmark for others to follow.

FAQs

How can I use "in a league of its own" in a sentence?

Use "in a league of its own" to describe something that is exceptionally better or unique compared to others of its kind. For example, "This restaurant's innovative menu puts it in "a league of its own"."

What is a similar phrase to "in a league of its own"?

Similar phrases include "in a class of its own", "second to none", and "unparalleled". All these phrases emphasize exceptional quality or uniqueness.

Is it correct to say something is "in a league of their own"?

While grammatically similar, "in a league of their own" implies that a group of people or things are unique, whereas "in a league of its own" refers to a singular entity that is exceptional. Ensure your pronoun matches the subject.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "in a league of its own"?

Avoid using "in a league of its own" when the differences are minor or subjective. The phrase should be reserved for situations where the superiority or uniqueness is clear and demonstrable.