ranks among

USAGE SUMMARY

"ranks among" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to one entity being placed at the same level of importance or quality as other entities within a group. For example: "Her skills in the kitchen ranks among the best chefs in the world".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ballet Arizona ranks among the most significant.

The New York Times - Arts

It still ranks among his favourite memories.

Independent

Now he ranks among Izzo's favorites.

The New York Times - Sports

But it ranks among the most unlikely.

The New York Times

Teacher pay ranks among the nation's highest.

The New York Times

The Cap d'Antibes ranks among the priciest places on Earth.

The Guardian - Travel

But Nicholson's ranks among the best that I've come across.

The New York Times - Food

The United States in particular ranks among its best customers.

The New York Times

It ranks among the funniest things ever seen on television.

The Guardian

Tarbell's "In the Orchard" (1891) ranks among his finest pictures.

The New York Times

It now ranks among the highest-performing in the state.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the noun following 'among' is plural to represent the group the subject is being compared to.

Common error

A frequent mistake is failing to match the verb form with the subject, especially in complex sentences. Use 'rank among' for plural subjects and 'ranks among' for singular ones. Also, avoid redundant prepositions like 'ranks in among' which clutter the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ranks among" functions as a transitive verb phrase used for comparative classification. According to Ludwig, it serves to locate a subject within a specific tier or group of entities, usually those sharing a high degree of a particular quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

General Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "ranks among" is a highly effective linguistic tool for expressing excellence and membership within a group. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a grammatically correct and versatile phrase that is particularly prevalent in high-authority media and academic writing. Whether you are describing a city's economy, a scientific discovery or a piece of art, this phrase allows for a sophisticated comparison that highlights quality while maintaining professional tone. Writers should be mindful of subject-verb agreement but can otherwise rely on this expression to add weight and context to their claims of importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is among

Uses a simpler copular verb which reduces the focus on hierarchical ranking.

ranks alongside

Emphasizes equality with other members of the group rather than just membership.

is rated as

Suggests that the position is based on a specific external evaluation or metric.

stands among

Adds a more descriptive or majestic tone to the placement.

counts as one of

Shifts focus to inclusion and numerical classification within a set.

is considered one of

Attributes the ranking to public opinion or scholarly consensus.

sits among

Uses a more figurative and slightly less formal metaphor for positioning.

is classified with

Sounds more clinical or taxonomic in nature.

positions itself as

Implies intentional agency or marketing intent from the subject.

falls within the top

Provides a more specific boundary for the grouping.

FAQs

How do I use "ranks among" in a sentence?

You can use it to place a subject within a category of high quality, for example: "This project "ranks among" our most successful initiatives".

What is the difference between "ranks among" and "is one of"?

While both indicate membership in a group, "ranks among" implies a more formal evaluation or hierarchical standing, whereas "is one of" is more general and common in everyday speech.

Can I say "ranks amongst" instead?

Yes, "ranks amongst" is grammatically correct and carries the same meaning, though it is often considered more British or slightly more formal than the version with 'among'.

Is it "rank among" or "ranks among"?

It depends on the subject. Use "ranks among" for singular subjects (e.g. "The city ranks") and "rank among" for plural subjects (e.g. "These cities rank").