leading university

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leading university" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a university that is recognized for its excellence, reputation, or influence in a particular field or overall. Example: "Harvard University is often regarded as a leading university in the field of law and business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Specifically at Japan's leading university, the University of Tôkyô, the situation became so serious that the university closed for several months.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

Every nation has a leading university.

The New York Times

So, too, are many of the country's leading university teachers.

The Guardian - Opinion

The question now is, will any other leading university be willing to take Lomborg on?

The Guardian

Mr Hung, a graduate student from a leading university, died days before his scheduled discharge.

The Economist

The unusual appointment of a special prosecutor was supported by leading university officials.

The New York Times - Sports

Greg is a graduate student in chemistry at a leading university.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Learning materials provided through Vista Higher Learning, a leading university-level Spanish language publisher.

Columbia University

The conference also included representatives of water organizations, the Rockefeller Foundation and the World Bank, and leading university-based researchers.

Johns Hopkins University

Recently, a number of leading university-based global health programs came together to form the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH).

BMC Medical Education

Hosted by the world's leading University, MIT OpenCourseware aims to remove obstacles to learning for people from all over the world by putting virtually all MIT content online.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "leading university", provide specific examples of its accomplishments, research, or notable faculty to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a university is "leading" without providing any supporting information or context. Always aim to give more color or explanation of its strengths.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leading university" functions as a noun phrase modifier, where the adjective "leading" describes the type of university being referred to. It's typically used to denote institutions that are prominent and influential in higher education, as evidenced by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

33%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leading university" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a prominent and influential institution of higher education. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While alternatives like "top-tier university" and "premier university" exist, "leading university" offers a broad and recognizable descriptor. When using this phrase, it's best to provide context or examples to support the claim, avoiding generic statements without any additional information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

top-tier university

Focuses on the high ranking and exclusivity of the university.

premier university

Emphasizes the university's status as one of the best.

elite university

Highlights the selectivity and prestige associated with the university.

prominent university

Stresses the university's visibility and recognition.

esteemed university

Highlights the respect and admiration the university has earned.

renowned university

Focuses on the university's widespread fame and reputation.

distinguished university

Emphasizes the university's history of excellence and notable achievements.

preeminent university

Highlights the university's superior quality and influence.

major university

Focuses on the scale, resources, and influence of the university.

flagship university

Highlights the university as the most important in its state or system.

FAQs

How can I use "leading university" in a sentence?

You can use "leading university" to describe an institution recognized for its excellence. For example: "The research was conducted at a "leading university"."

What are some alternatives to "leading university"?

Alternatives include "top-tier university", "premier university", or "elite university". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "leading university" or "top university"?

Both "leading university" and "top university" are acceptable. "Leading university" may imply a broader range of influence, while "top university" focuses more directly on ranking or status.

What makes a university a "leading university"?

A "leading university" typically excels in research, teaching, and innovation. It often has a strong reputation, attracts top faculty and students, and contributes significantly to its field.