never been higher

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "never been higher" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular level or measurement has reached its peak or highest point at any time in the past. Example: "The demand for renewable energy has never been higher, reflecting a significant shift in consumer preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's never been higher.

The New Yorker

Employment has never been higher.

The Economist

Or never been higher.

The Washington Post

Corporate profits have never been higher.

The New Yorker

Our standards have never been higher".

The New York Times

However, demand has never been higher.

Independent

The employment rate has never been higher.

The Economist

This year, the stakes have never been higher.

The New York Times

His stock had never been higher.

The Guardian - Film

I'd argue they've never been higher".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Levels of car ownership have never been higher.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "never been higher" to emphasize that a current level or state is the highest ever recorded or experienced. For example, "Customer satisfaction has never been higher, indicating the success of our new service initiative."

Common error

Avoid using "never been higher" when referring to abstract or subjective qualities that are difficult to measure objectively. For example, saying "My excitement for this project has never been higher, although enthusiasm is subjective and fluctuates" may weaken your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "never been higher" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing that a particular quantity, quality, or state has reached its maximum recorded or experienced level. As exemplified by Ludwig, it's used to underscore the significance of a peak achievement or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "never been higher" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to indicate that something has reached its peak. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academia, and business. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to emphasize the significance of a record level or unprecedented state. While versatile, it's important to use it in contexts where objective measurement is possible. Related phrases such as "at an all-time high" or "reached unprecedented heights" can serve as alternatives. Understanding these nuances can help writers employ "never been higher" and its variants effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at an all-time peak

Replaces "higher" with "peak", emphasizing the point of greatest achievement.

at a record level

Substitutes "never been" with "at a record", focusing on surpassing previous records.

reached unprecedented heights

Uses a more figurative expression to convey a similar idea of exceeding previous limits.

at its maximum

Simplifies the phrase to indicate the highest possible level or extent.

reached its zenith

Employs a more formal and literary term for the highest point or state.

at its apex

Similar to 'zenith', indicating the highest point of achievement or development.

surpassed all previous levels

Focuses on the act of exceeding prior measurements or achievements.

hit a new high

A more concise and informal way of saying that something has reached its highest point.

at an unparalleled level

Indicates that something is at a level that has never been matched or equaled.

reached a crescendo

Implies a gradual increase leading to a peak, often used metaphorically.

FAQs

How can I use "never been higher" in a sentence?

You can use "never been higher" to emphasize that a particular level or amount has reached its peak. For example, "The company's profits have "never been higher", thanks to innovative strategies".

What are some alternatives to "never been higher"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at an all-time high", "reached a peak", or "hit a record", which all convey the idea of reaching a maximum level.

Is it correct to say "never been more high" instead of "never been higher"?

While "high" can be used as an adjective, "higher" is the correct comparative form to use when indicating that something has surpassed all previous levels. Therefore, ""never been higher"" is the grammatically appropriate choice.

What does it mean when someone says, "The stakes have never been higher"?

It means that the potential consequences or rewards are greater than they have ever been before. It indicates that the current situation is critical and requires careful consideration. You could rephrase it as "The consequences are at an all-time high".