on the higher side

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the higher side" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is at a higher level than expected. For example, "The cost of the new car is on the higher side, but it offers more features than other models in the same price range."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The cost runs on the higher side if the aide works for a Medicare-certified agency.

The New York Times - Health

So Runyon started out on the higher side of the ledger already, and at the top, covering the New York Giants.

The New Yorker

Riz Din, a currency strategist at Barclays Capital, said: "The data was on the higher side of expectations and we should get a pick-up in sterling.

The Guardian - Business

I don't want to look back because also I can never get the same level of feeling and emotion as when I played; it was on the higher side".

The Guardian - Sport

And because I not only work from home but do most of the foraging, as well as the child-related drop-offs and pickups, my personal suffering was likely to fall on the higher side of average.

The New York Times

To get that rate on the higher side, Twitter's system does not just automatically award an ad slot to the highest bidder; instead, it gives an advantage to ads that previous viewers have found to be more relevant or engaging.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Carrying costs are on the high side.

The New York Times

Maintenance is on the high side.

The New York Times

The asking price, $340,000, was on the high side.

The New York Times

(The company says that is "on the high side").

The New York Times - Tech

The PM2.5 reading was on the high side.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the higher side" when you want to indicate that a value, cost, or measurement is somewhat above what is typical or expected. For instance, "The estimated cost of the repairs is on the higher side, so it's important to get a second opinion."

Common error

Avoid using "on the higher side" when making absolute comparisons without an implied range or expectation. For example, instead of saying "This is on the higher side", provide context: "Compared to similar products, this one is on the higher side in terms of price."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the higher side" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating a relative position above an implied or stated average. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the higher side" is a useful expression for indicating that something is slightly above the average or expected level. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. It is frequently used in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, to describe values, costs, or measurements that are somewhat elevated. While it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various settings, being mindful of the context and considering more formal alternatives in strictly academic writing can improve clarity. Remember to avoid using it in absolute comparisons without an implied range. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat more

A simple, direct way to indicate a quantity is higher.

comparatively high

Highlights a comparison, showing it's high relative to something else.

somewhat elevated

Emphasizes a slight increase or elevation compared to a norm.

relatively expensive

Specifically focuses on cost being higher than usual.

marginally greater

Indicates a small increase or difference.

slightly steeper

Implies a rate or incline that is a bit more elevated.

a cut above

Suggests superiority or higher quality compared to others.

somewhat advanced

Implies a more developed stage or level than others.

relatively advanced

Implies a more developed stage in comparison to a known level.

on the increase

Focuses on the action of incrementing values.

FAQs

How can I use "on the higher side" in a sentence?

Use "on the higher side" to indicate that a value or quantity is somewhat above the average or expected range. For example, "The restaurant prices were a bit "on the higher side", but the food was excellent."

What phrases are similar to "on the higher side"?

Alternatives include "relatively expensive", "comparatively high", or "somewhat elevated", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "on the higher side" in formal writing?

While "on the higher side" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "relatively high" or "comparatively high" in very formal or academic contexts.

What does "on the higher side" imply about the quantity being described?

It suggests that the quantity or value is not drastically high, but noticeably above the average or expected level. It's a way of softening the statement, indicating it's more than usual without being extreme.