of the lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of the lot" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific group or collection of items or people, often to indicate a selection or comparison among them. Example: "She was the best candidate of the lot, impressing everyone with her skills and experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Albania is the poorest of the lot.

The Economist

Arguably the best value of the lot.

Independent

The best of the lot.

The Guardian - Film

It is the most human-centric of the lot.

Sketching User Experiences Getting the design right and the right design

The size of the lot is important.

The Washington Post

It's the funniest episode of the lot.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

However the third is actually the best of the lot.

Forbes

Place cheap products in the center of the lot.

WikiHow

QUEEN OF THE LOT Opens on Friday in New York.

The New York Times

Strongest smelling butter of the lot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Ms. Winfrey seemed sick of the lot of them.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of the lot" to succinctly indicate a selection or comparison within a defined group, avoiding ambiguity by clearly specifying the group being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "of the lot" when the group being referenced is unclear or undefined. Ensure the context provides a clear understanding of what the 'lot' refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of the lot" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It typically indicates a selection, comparison, or characteristic within a specific group or set. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of the lot" is a very common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate a specific item or individual within a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity, always define the 'lot' you are referring to. Alternative phrases include "from the group" or "among the options", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. It's crucial to avoid ambiguity by ensuring the context clearly defines the group or collection being referenced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from the group

Focuses on the origin or selection being a subset of a larger group.

among the options

Highlights the aspect of choosing between different available possibilities.

in the selection

Emphasizes the presence or inclusion within a set of items being considered.

out of the collection

Similar to 'from the group', but emphasizes the act of gathering or accumulating.

within the set

Stresses the boundaries or limits of a defined assortment.

from this batch

Refers to a specific production run or a limited quantity.

in this category

Specifies a classification or grouping based on shared characteristics.

among these candidates

Specifically refers to people being considered for a position or role.

of those available

Highlights the limited scope of options currently accessible.

within this range

Indicates the scope or boundaries within which something exists.

FAQs

How can I use "of the lot" in a sentence?

"Of the lot" is used to indicate a selection or comparison within a specific group. For example: "She was the best candidate "of the lot", impressing everyone with her skills and experience."

What can I say instead of "of the lot"?

You can use alternatives like "from the group", "among the options", or "in the selection" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "best of the lot" or "best in the lot"?

"Best "of the lot"" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Best in the lot" is less idiomatic and might sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "of the lot" and "from the group"?

While similar, ""of the lot"" often implies a more comprehensive comparison within a defined set, whereas "from the group" simply indicates origin or belonging to a larger entity.