peak

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "peak" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective, noun, or verb. Example sentence: We reached the peak of the mountain just before sunset.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A surprise drop in US GDP helped push the FTSE 100 down 16.08 points to 6323.11 after earlier signs that a new five year peak was on the cards.

The Guardian - Business

The Paris-based thinktank notes the budget deficit has been "significantly reduced since the peak of 2009, but at a slower pace recently notably as growth has been insufficiently tax-rich".

The Guardian - Business

Its average audience was up on the 7.7 million viewers who saw Arsenal's 3-2 extimetime win over Hull City on ITV last year, but fell short of last year's peak of 9.3 million.

The Guardian

Prices are down nearly 20% on their 2007 peak, but many economists have said the full decline will be 30%.

The Guardian - Business

Paying businesses to cut their power use at peak times to keep the lights on is no way to run a modern economy".

The Guardian - Business

With a group of eight others, including the Guardian's Larry Elliot, I have co-authored a proposal for a Green New Deal to tackle what is, in reality, a 'triple crunch': economic recession, accelerating climate change, and rising oil prices underpinned by an encroaching peak in oil production.

The Guardian

33ba7360-33fa-4912-b1e7-90988c5e6409 You know you've reached peak fame when you no longer need a surname for people to know who you are.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

London Live, owned by Lebedev, the publisher of the Independent and London Evening Standard, had portrayed the changes, which would have seen local programming per day reduced from 18 hours to eight hours, and from three hours to one hour in peak time, as "not unreasonable".

The Guardian

The crime rate is 64% below its peak in 1995 and the fall has accelerated in recent years, dropping 32% since 20089-09.

The Guardian

While more than 100,000 people turned out for rallies at the protests' peak this autumn, the numbers of demonstrators have sharply dwindled and public support for the movement has waned.

The Guardian

But, comprised of men at their peak and beyond, it soon needed refreshing, as Busby knew it would – time and money had already been invested into a youth system with Jimmy Murphy recruited to run it.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "peak" in writing, consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning. It can refer to a physical high point, a maximum level, or a culminating event.

Common error

Avoid confusing "peak", meaning a high point, with "pique", which means to arouse interest or resentment. Double-check your spelling to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "peak" serves as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes a high point or summit; as a verb, it means to reach a maximum level. Ludwig AI supports this dual functionality, offering various examples for both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Lifestyle

8%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "peak" is a versatile term, functioning as both a noun and a verb to signify a high point or maximum level. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, from news and business to sports and lifestyle. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "peak", be mindful of its distinction from "pique", and consider synonyms like "apex" or "summit" for nuanced expression. Ludwig's examples confirm its consistent application in reputable sources, solidifying its status as a reliable and effective word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apex

Refers to the highest point or culminating point, similar to "peak" but often used in a more abstract or figurative sense.

summit

Specifically denotes the highest point of a mountain or hill, sharing a close association with "peak" in geographical contexts.

zenith

Signifies the highest point or state, particularly in a metaphorical sense, akin to reaching a "peak" in one's career.

climax

Indicates the most intense or exciting point of something, comparable to a "peak" in narrative or dramatic structure.

culmination

Represents the highest point of achievement or development, similar to reaching the "peak" of a process or endeavor.

high point

A more general term for the most enjoyable or successful part of an event or period, corresponding to a "peak" experience.

acme

Denotes the point at which someone or something is best, perfect, or most successful, comparable to being at the "peak" of one's abilities.

crest

Refers to the top of something, such as a wave or a hill, analogous to reaching the "peak" of an upward movement.

tipping point

The moment at which a series of small changes becomes significant enough to cause a larger change, related to reaching a "peak" in momentum.

maximum

Indicates the greatest possible amount or degree, similar to reaching the "peak" value or intensity.

FAQs

How is "peak" used in a sentence?

The word "peak" can function as a noun (The mountain's peak was covered in snow) or a verb (The athlete hopes to peak during the Olympics).

What is an alternative to using "peak"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "apex", "summit", or "climax" as alternatives to "peak".

Which is correct: "peak interest" or "pique interest"?

"Pique interest" is the correct phrase. "Pique" means to stimulate or excite, while "peak" refers to the highest point.

What does it mean to "peak" in a certain period?

To "peak" in a specific period means to reach the highest level of performance, success, or activity during that time.