is second to none

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is second to none" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is the best of its kind or without equal. For example, you could say: "His basketball skills are second to none."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her campaign organisation is second to none.

The Economist

Their commitment is second to none.

The Guardian - Sport

The bird life is second to none.

The Guardian - Travel

"The quality is second to none".

The New York Times

A woman is second to none.

The Guardian - Sport

Simply put, the Berkeley statistics faculty is second to none.

University of California, Berkeley

America's record on environmental protection is second to none.

The New York Times

As a director, he is second to none.

The Guardian

His commitment and passion for winning is second to none.

The Guardian - Sport

Our get-out-the-vote program is second to none.

The New York Times

We have fan loyalty here that is second to none.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is second to none" to emphasize that something is the absolute best in its category. This phrase adds a touch of sophistication and authority to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is second to none" when comparing items with fundamentally different qualities. This phrase is most effective when highlighting the superiority of something within a specific, well-defined category.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is second to none" functions as an adjectival phrase used to attribute supreme quality or excellence. It's a way of emphasizing that something is the best, as Ludwig AI confirms in its analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is second to none" is a powerful way to express that something is the best. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it conveys strong praise and admiration. Remember to use it when you want to emphatically highlight the superior quality of something, and avoid misapplying it to incomparable categories. For alternatives, consider phrases like "is unparalleled" or "is unmatched" to maintain a similar level of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unparalleled

Emphasizes the lack of any parallel or equal, indicating uniqueness.

is unmatched

Highlights the absence of a match or equal in terms of quality or skill.

is unrivaled

Stresses the lack of any rival or competitor in a specific area.

is the best

A simpler, more direct way of stating that something is superior to all others.

is unsurpassed

Focuses on the idea that something has not been exceeded or surpassed.

is the finest

Highlights the superior quality and refinement of something.

is in a league of its own

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and superiority of something, setting it apart from others.

has no equal

Directly states that nothing else is comparable in quality or ability.

is top-tier

Indicates that something belongs to the highest level or rank.

is peerless

Highlights the absence of peers or equals, suggesting unmatched excellence.

FAQs

How can I use "is second to none" in a sentence?

You can use "is second to none" to emphasize that something is the best in its category. For example, "Their customer service "is second to none"" or "The quality of their products "is second to none"".

What are some alternatives to saying "is second to none"?

Alternatives to "is second to none" include phrases like "is unparalleled", "is unmatched", or "is the best", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is second to none other"?

No, "is second to none other" is redundant. The phrase "is second to none" already implies that there is nothing better, so adding "other" is unnecessary.

What does "is second to none" mean?

"Is second to none" means that something is the best, without equal, or unmatched in a particular quality or category. It signifies top-tier status.