rising to the top

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rising to the top" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is becoming more successful or prominent over time. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, she is finally rising to the top of her industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They don't have big ideas about rising to the top.

The New Yorker

As always, strong students are rising to the top.

The New York Times

But how general is the phenomenon of females rising to the top?

The New Yorker

This number has increased in recent years, but the women aren't rising to the top.

The New Yorker

They seemed to stay in the job in the hope of rising to the top.

The Economist

The upper middle reproduces itself in the guise of the best kids rising to the top.

The New Yorker

Hence, as prices surge, food security is rising to the top of the political agenda.

The Economist

According to Alter, "Obama's faith lay in cream rising to the top.

The New York Times

When it comes to women rising to the top, what I'm doing is making a projection.

The Guardian - Books

The American dream once meant rising to the top with nothing but pluck, luck and ingenuity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The cream is rising to the top and staying there.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rising to the top" to describe a process of advancement or achieving a high rank, but be mindful of the context. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound cliché, so consider synonyms for variety.

Common error

While "rising to the top" is widely understood, it can sound informal or cliché in some contexts. In academic or highly professional writing, consider using more precise and formal language like "achieving prominence" or "attaining leadership".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rising to the top" functions as a prepositional phrase often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the manner in which someone or something is advancing, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

14%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rising to the top" is a common and generally correct idiom used to describe advancement and success. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples from reputable sources, indicates it is used widely in news, media and general contexts, but may require more formal alternatives in academic or scientific writing. While the phrase is versatile, consider synonyms like "climbing to the summit" or "ascending to prominence" for greater precision or to avoid overuse. According to Ludwig, it is important to be conscious of the context to ensure appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

climbing to the summit

Uses 'summit' to emphasize the highest point of achievement, suggesting a challenging ascent.

reaching the pinnacle

Highlights the achievement of reaching the highest possible level, implying a crowning success.

ascending to prominence

Focuses on gaining recognition and importance, suitable for describing a gradual rise in status.

advancing to leadership

Specifically denotes progress towards a leadership position, emphasizing authority and influence.

becoming preeminent

Stresses surpassing others in a specific field, suggesting excellence and leadership.

progressing to the forefront

Implies moving into a position of greater visibility and influence, suggesting active advancement.

excelling in the field

Emphasizes outstanding performance and achievement within a particular domain or industry.

gaining traction

Focuses on the increasing momentum and influence, particularly in competitive contexts.

making headway

Emphasizes overcoming obstacles and making tangible progress toward a goal, differing from the end result.

taking precedence

Shifts the focus to something becoming a priority or taking precedence over other matters.

FAQs

What does "rising to the top" mean?

The phrase "rising to the top" describes the process of achieving a high rank, position, or level of success, often through effort and determination.

What can I say instead of "rising to the top"?

You can use alternatives like "climbing to the summit", "ascending to prominence", or "reaching the pinnacle" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "rising to the top" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "rising to the top" might be perceived as informal in certain academic or professional contexts. Consider more formal alternatives like "achieving prominence" or "attaining leadership" for a more polished tone.

Can "rising to the top" be used to describe non-human entities?

Yes, "rising to the top" can describe entities other than people, such as companies, products, or issues gaining prominence or success. For instance, "That company is "gaining traction" and rising to the top of its industry."