is top-notch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is top-notch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something of the highest quality or excellence. Example: "The service at the restaurant is top-notch, making it a favorite among locals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

He is top-notch".

The New York Times

The food is top-notch.

Independent

Service is top-notch.

The New York Times

Plus, the sound quality is top-notch.

Independent

And the service is top-notch.

The Guardian - Travel

The cast is top-notch, as you can see.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

The liquor is top notch.

The New Yorker

And the food is top notch.

The Guardian - Travel

Weeklong lessons remain popular (the ski school is top notch).

The New York Times - Travel

The service is top notch, both personable and attentive.

The New York Times

"Philosophically and environmentally, it is top notch," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is top-notch" when you want to emphasize that something is of the highest quality or standard. It's suitable for describing products, services, performances, or skills.

Common error

Avoid using "is top-notch" in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable in many contexts, it can sound too informal. Opt for phrases like "is of the highest quality" or "is excellent" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is top-notch" primarily functions as a subjective assessment, indicating that something possesses superior quality or excels in its category. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to express a positive evaluation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is top-notch" is a phrase used to describe something of the highest quality or standard. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in a variety of contexts. While most commonly found in News & Media and Lifestyle sources, it should be used cautiously in highly formal or academic settings, where alternatives like "is excellent" or "is of the highest quality" may be more appropriate. It has a neutral tone and is widely understood, making it a useful phrase for expressing approval or admiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is first-rate

Replaces "top-notch" with a synonym emphasizing high quality and excellence.

is excellent

A more general term for high quality, applicable in many contexts where "top-notch" is suitable.

is superb

Indicates a high level of quality and performance, similar to "top-notch".

is outstanding

Highlights that something is exceptional and better than average.

is of the highest quality

A more formal and descriptive way to express the superior quality.

is world-class

Implies the quality is among the best globally.

is second to none

Emphasizes that something has no equal in quality or performance.

is state-of-the-art

Highlights that something uses the most current and advanced methods or technology.

is unparalleled

Suggests that the quality or standard is unmatched and unique.

is premium

Implies that something is of superior quality and often more expensive.

FAQs

How can I use "is top-notch" in a sentence?

You can use "is top-notch" to describe something of very high quality. For example, "The service at this hotel is top-notch" or "The food at that restaurant is top-notch".

What's a more formal alternative to "is top-notch"?

If you need a more formal way to say "is top-notch", you could use phrases like "is of the highest quality" or "is excellent".

Is it okay to use "is top-notch" in professional writing?

While "is top-notch" is widely understood, it might be best to reserve it for less formal professional contexts. In more formal reports or documents, consider using phrases like "is superior" or "is first-rate".

What does "is top-notch" mean?

"Is top-notch" means something is of the highest quality, excellent, or first-rate. It suggests that something is among the best in its category.