of the highest degree

USAGE SUMMARY

"of the highest degree" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the degree to which something has been reached, for example, "His dedication to his work is of the highest degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"That is pandering of the highest degree," Mr. Stewart quipped.

The New York Times

Gen. Anthony C. McAuliffe, said later that Mr. Cocke had "displayed courage of the highest degree, enthusiasm and excellent judgment".

The New York Times

"In this particular case, the release constitutes a serious invasion of the highest degree," Circuit Judge Joseph Will said in Daytona Beach.

The New York Times - Sports

"In protecting America from nuclear catastrophe, safely securing the spent fuel by eliminating highly radioactive, crowded pools should be a public safety priority of the highest degree".

The New York Times

"The idea of the fake geek girl, who pretends in order to get the attention of geek men, is harmful gatekeeping of the highest degree," says Polo. "Geeks should welcome people into our world.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The group, which campaigns for better use of public funds, said last week that: "Spending £250,000 on a whim because [the BBC] wants a better view is profligacy of the highest degree".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The accuracy of this interpolation method depends on the highest degree of the polynomials used.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

It's a state of hatred of self and of others; it's the highest degree of lie".

The New Yorker

The statement on the safety of probiotics achieved the highest degree of consensus.

Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics

"Britain has one of the highest degrees of free market openness, no investment needs to be scrutinised, it's entirely up to you".

BBC

Scaffolding regions have one of the highest degrees of disorder of all functional categories.

Chemical Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of the highest degree" when you want to emphasize that something is at its maximum level or intensity. For example, "The risk is of the highest degree."

Common error

Avoid using "of the highest degree" in overly casual conversations or writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "extremely" or "very" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of the highest degree" functions as an adjectival modifier within a sentence. It specifies the extent or intensity of a noun or concept, indicating that something is at its maximum possible level. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of the highest degree" is a valid and frequently used phrase in formal English to emphasize the intensity or importance of something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically sound and can be effectively employed to highlight extreme qualities. While versatile, it is crucial to consider the context. Overusing it in informal settings may sound unnatural; simpler alternatives may be preferred. This phrase is particularly prevalent in scientific literature and news reports, where precision and emphasis are key. By understanding its nuances and typical usage, writers can leverage "of the highest degree" to enhance the impact of their statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the greatest extent

Focuses on the magnitude or reach of something.

to the fullest extent

Similar to 'greatest extent' but with a slightly different nuance.

to the maximum

Implies reaching the highest possible quantity or amount.

in the utmost measure

Emphasizes the limit or boundary of a quality or action.

with ultimate intensity

Highlights the strength or force of something.

in its supreme form

Focuses on the ideal or most excellent version of something.

at the pinnacle

Suggests reaching the highest possible point or level.

at the apex

Similar to 'pinnacle', it emphasizes the top or peak.

in absolute terms

Emphasizes the completeness and lack of qualification.

of paramount importance

Highlights the supreme importance or significance of something.

FAQs

How can I use "of the highest degree" in a sentence?

You can use "of the highest degree" to emphasize the intensity or importance of something. For example, "His dedication was "of the highest degree"."

What are some alternatives to "of the highest degree"?

Alternatives include "to the greatest extent", "in the utmost measure", or "at the pinnacle" depending on the specific context.

Is "of the highest degree" formal or informal?

"Of the highest degree" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "of the highest degree" and "to a high degree"?

"Of the highest degree" implies the maximum possible level, whereas "to a high degree" suggests a significant but not necessarily maximal level. The former is more emphatic.