it reigned supreme

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it reigned supreme" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is considered the best or most powerful in a particular context. Example: "In the world of classical music, Beethoven's influence reigned supreme for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

To anyone who knew it in its glory - when it reigned supreme among the symbols of an infamous order, when it defined a unique island of brash freedom deep inside the gray Soviet empire, when men died trying to breach it and politicians vied to deplore it - it is almost embarrassing to see it in its humiliation.

The New York Times

And when you take into account The Lodge's requisite Southern hospitality and lavish amenities, it's easy to see how it reigned supreme as the No. 1 hotel in the USA.

HuffPost

Nonetheless, the Treatise inspired a new generation of "Maxwellian" researchers who brought his revolutionary framework to the rest of the field of physics, where it reigned supreme by the end of the 19th century.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It reigned supreme for more than 30 years and greatly increased the popularity of photography, despite the fact that it was unequally sensitive to different colours of the spectrum.

Britannica

The cut rose all the way to No. 1 on the Hot 100, where it reigned supreme for a dozen nonconsecutive frames (it was interrupted by Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar's "Bad Blood," which only managed a single frame in the lead position).

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But the donair was born in Halifax, and there in its castle at King of Donair it reigns supreme.

Vice

On that occasion, the public tended to believe simultaneously that there had been no massacre of innocents at My Lai and that there were massacres of innocents in all wars... Now the Watergate disclosures appear to have buried the inclination to believe "It didn't happen", and "They all do it" reigns supreme.

The New Yorker

But in the handheld sector, it reigns supreme.

Vice

So "Aren't I?" proves that, although idiom may be a murky, slippery and highly debatable, sometimes it reigns supreme.

Los Angeles Times

It's hard to miss it – simplicity reigns supreme.

The Guardian

Questionable decisionmaking and moral ambiguity reigned supreme.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it reigned supreme" to create a sense of historical significance or long-standing dominance. It adds a touch of drama and emphasizes a lasting impact.

Common error

Avoid using "it reigned supreme" in everyday conversations or informal writing. The phrase is best suited for more formal or historical contexts where a sense of grandeur is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it reigned supreme" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of dominance or supremacy. It often modifies a subject, asserting its unchallenged authority within a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it reigned supreme" is a grammatically sound and stylistically impactful way to describe a period of dominance or unmatched influence. According to Ludwig AI, it is indeed considered correct. While it is less common than simpler alternatives, its strength lies in its ability to create a sense of historical significance. It is most frequently found in news media and academic writing, lending a touch of formality and authority to the subject matter. When aiming to convey lasting impact or unchallenged authority, "it reigned supreme" is a powerful choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was dominant

Replaces "reigned supreme" with a simpler adjective, focusing on the state of being dominant.

it was the most powerful

Substitutes "reigned supreme" with a direct statement of power and superiority.

it held sway

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate influence and control.

it was preeminent

Emphasizes the quality of being outstanding and superior to others.

it was paramount

Highlights the supreme importance or dominance of something.

it took precedence

Focuses on the act of coming before others in order or importance.

it was at its zenith

Indicates the peak or highest point of power and influence.

it was in ascendancy

Suggests a rising or dominant position, with an emphasis on upward movement.

it was the order of the day

Implies that something was the prevailing trend or accepted practice.

it was number one

Uses a simple and direct way to indicate that something held the top position.

FAQs

How can I use "it reigned supreme" in a sentence?

Use "it reigned supreme" to describe something that was dominant, most powerful, or held the top position for a significant period. For example, "During that era, disco music "it reigned supreme"".

What are some alternatives to "it reigned supreme"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was dominant", "it was the most powerful", or "it held sway" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it reigned supreme" formal or informal?

"It reigned supreme" is generally considered a more formal and stylized phrase. It is suitable for historical, academic, or literary contexts rather than casual conversation.

What does "it reigned supreme" imply?

"It reigned supreme" implies that something was not only dominant but also held a position of undisputed authority and influence over a period of time. It suggests a powerful and unchallenged presence.