record high

USAGE SUMMARY

"record high" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that is at an all-time maximum level, for example: Oil prices were at a record high last month.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Oil reaches record high!

The New York Times

That was a record high.

The New York Times

— Dow sets record high.

The Washington Post

Job vacancies are at a record high.

The Economist

Unemployment is at a record high.

The Economist

It might even hit a record high.

The New York Times

That too was a record high.

The New York Times

Mortgage delinquencies are at a record high.

The Economist

"Gold surges to record high," CNN said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Those were all record highs.

The New York Times

All were record highs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "record high", specify the context or category to which the record applies to provide clarity. For example, "record high temperatures" or "record high stock prices".

Common error

Avoid assuming a "record high" is permanent. Clearly state the period for which the record applies, as records are frequently broken. It's incorrect to say "the price will remain at a record high", but you can say something like "the price reached a record high in 2024".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "record high" functions primarily as a noun phrase or adjectival phrase modifying another noun. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes a state or condition that represents the highest value ever attained in a specific category. The many examples show its flexibility within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "record high" is a common phrase used to denote that something has reached its highest recorded level, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its neutral register and widespread use across various contexts, especially in News & Media, make it a versatile term. When using the phrase, remember to specify the context for clarity and consider alternatives like "all-time high" or "peak level" for nuanced communication. Avoid assumptions about permanence, and clearly state the relevant timeframe to prevent misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all-time high

Indicates the highest point ever reached, similar to "record high".

highest level on record

Emphasizes the documented nature of the peak.

peak level

Refers to the highest point or maximum value achieved.

historic high

Highlights the significance of the high point in history.

unprecedented level

Implies that the level is higher than ever before experienced or known.

maximum value

A more general term for the highest attainable quantity.

topmost point

Describes the absolute highest position in a range.

apex

Refers to the highest or culminating point.

ceiling

Suggests an upper limit that has been reached.

zenith

Indicates the time at which something is most powerful or successful.

FAQs

How is "record high" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "record high" is used to describe something that has reached its highest recorded level. For example, "The company's profits reached a record high this year".

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "record high"?

You can use alternatives like "all-time high", "peak level", or "highest level on record" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "record high" when referring to negative values?

While less common, "record high" can be used for negative values if you're referring to the highest (least negative) value ever recorded. It's essential to ensure clarity in such contexts.

What's the difference between "record high" and "historic high"?

"Record high" simply indicates the highest level documented, while "historic high" suggests that the high level is significant from a historical perspective.