prestigious university

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'prestigious university' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a university that is well-respected and has a good academic reputation. For example: "John was accepted to a prestigious university and is looking forward to starting his studies this fall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They had the benefit of the world's most prestigious university.

The New York Times

Resist paying more for a prestigious university, Ms. Asher says.

The New York Times

He held a job at a prestigious university and worked on films in his spare time.

The New York Times

Another woman, Nan, is a chemist who has a master's degree from Chulalongkorn, another prestigious university.

The New York Times

The prestigious university accepted just 5.3% of roughly 37,000 applications for its class of 2019.

Independent

Mr. Nitipong sells computer equipment and is a graduate of Thammasat, a prestigious university in Bangkok.

The New York Times

I wanted to study at a prestigious university, whatever that's supposed to mean.

Independent

A smart, innocent freshman is amazed by what she finds at a prestigious university.

The New York Times

Lots of people achieve huge success in this society without a degree from a prestigious university.

The New York Times

Now, decades on, the prestigious university only takes 58.5%, according to 2011 figures.

The Guardian - Opinion

And we hear the pompous gibberish that passes for wisdom at a prestigious university conference.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "prestigious university", ensure that the context supports the claim of prestige. Provide specific examples or rankings to justify the description.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "prestigious university" as a generic descriptor for any university. Reserve it for institutions with a demonstrable history of excellence and significant recognition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prestigious university" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies the noun "university" by attributing a quality of high status, respect, and admiration. Ludwig confirms that it’s a common and accepted way to describe such institutions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prestigious university" is a common and accepted way to describe a university that is highly regarded for its academic excellence, selectivity, and overall reputation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. While many alternatives exist, such as "elite university" or "top-tier university", it’s important to use the phrase judiciously, ensuring the context supports the claim of prestige with specific examples or rankings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elite university

Replaces "prestigious" with "elite", emphasizing exclusivity and high standards.

top-tier university

Uses "top-tier" to highlight the university's high ranking and quality.

renowned university

Replaces "prestigious" with "renowned", focusing on the university's widespread fame and respect.

highly-regarded university

Uses "highly-regarded" to convey the university's positive reputation.

esteemed university

Substitutes "prestigious" with "esteemed", highlighting the university's respect and admiration.

leading university

Focuses on the university's position as a leader in education and research.

distinguished university

Uses "distinguished" to emphasize the university's exceptional qualities and achievements.

well-known university

Emphasizes the university's widespread recognition.

selective university

Highlights the university's rigorous admission standards.

world-class university

Emphasizes global recognition and excellence.

FAQs

How can I use "prestigious university" in a sentence?

You can use "prestigious university" to describe an institution known for its high academic standards, selectivity, and reputation, such as: "She received a scholarship to attend a "prestigious university"."

What are some alternatives to "prestigious university"?

Alternatives include "elite university", "top-tier university", or "renowned university". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call every well-known university a "prestigious university"?

Not necessarily. While being well-known is a factor, a "prestigious university" typically has a long-standing history of academic excellence, high selectivity, and significant contributions to its field.

What distinguishes a "prestigious university" from other universities?

A "prestigious university" is usually distinguished by its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, research output, notable alumni, and overall reputation.