of a higher order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of a higher order" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase suggests that something is more highly developed, sophisticated, or important than others of the same kind. For example, you could say, "The article provides evidence of a social consciousness of a higher order than had been seen before in this region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But Helen Fitzgerald's Viral is of a higher order.

The Guardian - Books

The art, too, is of a higher order.

The Guardian - Travel

There was some poetry, at least, of a higher order.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Monumental sculpture of a higher order is avidly sought after.

The New York Times - Arts

"I would call it civil disobedience of a higher order," she said.

The New York Times

Make way for Kit Kittredge, a creature of a higher order.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Every outside can become the inside of a higher-order complex (A.25d).

SEP

The center frequency of a higher-order pulse is located at higher frequency location [13].

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Within the potential flow assumption, the Laplace equation is solved by means of a higher-order boundary-element method (HOBEM).

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

First, with semi-tensor product method, the matrix expression of a higher-order logical control network is given.

Applied Mathematics and Computation

It uses a representational language, Intensional Logic, but Montague (1970) showed that this use of a higher-order logical representation language was just a convenience, and completely dispensible.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of a higher order" to clearly indicate something that surpasses others in rank, quality, or complexity. Ensure the context highlights a clear hierarchical distinction to maximize impact.

Common error

Avoid using "of a higher order" when simply describing something as good or effective without establishing a clear comparison to other entities. Overuse can dilute the phrase's impact and create unnecessary complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of a higher order" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that something possesses a quality, characteristic, or rank that is superior or more advanced compared to others of its kind. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Huffington Post

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of a higher order" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize the superiority or advanced nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts. While primarily found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, its effective use hinges on establishing a clear comparison and avoiding misuse in non-hierarchical situations. When seeking alternatives, consider "superior quality", "more advanced", or "greater importance" to maintain clarity and impact. Understanding these nuances will enable you to use the phrase "of a higher order" effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

superior quality

Focuses specifically on the quality aspect, omitting the ordinal ranking.

higher caliber

Implies a higher standard of skill or ability.

more advanced

Emphasizes advancement, lacking the hierarchical implication.

more sophisticated

Highlights sophistication, excluding the broader sense of importance or rank.

greater importance

Highlights the importance aspect, differing from the notion of hierarchy.

enhanced degree

Highlights the increased or enhanced nature of a particular attribute.

elevated status

Focuses on social standing rather than inherent quality.

paramount importance

Highlights the importance aspect, differing from the notion of hierarchy.

increased level

Emphasizes a quantitative rise rather than a qualitative difference.

transcendent nature

Suggests a superior spiritual or metaphysical quality, differing significantly in context.

FAQs

How can I appropriately use "of a higher order" in a sentence?

Use "of a higher order" to describe something superior in rank, quality, or importance compared to others in its category. For example, "This level of craftsmanship is "of a higher order" than previous works."

What are some alternatives to "of a higher order" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "superior quality", "more advanced", or "greater importance".

Is it correct to use "of a higher order" when describing abstract concepts?

Yes, "of a higher order" can be used for abstract concepts to suggest a greater degree of complexity, sophistication, or importance. For instance, "This requires a level of understanding "of a higher order"".

What is the difference between "of a higher order" and "of a lower order"?

"Of a higher order" indicates something superior, while "of a lower order" signifies something inferior or less complex. They represent opposite ends of a hierarchical scale.