ruling class

USAGE SUMMARY

"ruling class" is a perfectly acceptable and grammatically correct phrase in standard written English.
It is usually used to refer to the upper social class of a particular society, who control the government and economy. For example, "The ruling class of this country has enjoyed a life of privilege for centuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Tonight the ruling class knows.

The New York Times

They became the ruling class.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Now they are the ruling class.

The New York Times

The ruling class puts its propaganda everywhere.

The New Yorker

Marx called them "the ruling class".

The New Yorker

Third, populism is popular with the ruling class.

The New York Times

Mauritania's conservative ruling class has a poor record.

The Economist

"The ruling class is a bunch of boneheads".

The New York Times

Closure, too, was a lie of the ruling class.

The New Yorker

"Capitalism is the legitimate racket of the ruling class".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hence, Black Theology is in fact an anti-ruling class ideology designed to subvert the existing sociopolitical order.

Race and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ruling class", be specific about the context and criteria that define the group's dominance. Consider whether the dominance is political, economic, social, or cultural.

Common error

Be careful not to apply the term "ruling class" too broadly. Ensure there's a clear basis for identifying a specific group as dominant, rather than relying on stereotypes or assumptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ruling class" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific group within a society that holds significant power and influence, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ruling class" effectively identifies a dominant group within a society. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse sources. While neutrally descriptive, it often carries a critical undertone, prompting analyses of power dynamics. For more neutral phrasing, consider alternatives like "governing elite". Remember to use the term precisely, avoiding overgeneralizations and acknowledging its potential connotations, as the examples from Ludwig demonstrate. This allows for more accurate and nuanced discussions about societal power structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

governing elite

Replaces "class" with "elite", emphasizing the select and privileged nature of the group.

dominant group

Focuses on the aspect of dominance, highlighting the group's influence and control.

power elite

Emphasizes the power held by the group, often in political or economic contexts.

establishment

Implies a long-standing and entrenched system of power and influence.

upper echelon

Refers to the highest levels of society, suggesting a hierarchy and privileged position.

elite circle

Highlights the exclusivity and close-knit nature of the group in power.

political class

Specifically refers to the group that holds political power and influence.

governing body

Focuses on the formal authority and decision-making power of the group.

controlling faction

Implies a sense of internal division and competition within the dominant group.

privileged few

Highlights the advantages and opportunities enjoyed by the dominant group.

FAQs

How is the term "ruling class" typically used in a sentence?

The term "ruling class" is used to describe the social class in a society that holds the most power and influence. For example, "The policies of the "ruling class" often favor their own interests."

What are some alternative phrases for "ruling class"?

You can use alternatives such as "governing elite", "dominant group", or "power elite" depending on the context.

Is "ruling class" a neutral term, or does it carry a negative connotation?

The term "ruling class" can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting that the group in power is self-serving or detached from the needs of the general population. However, its neutrality depends on the context and the speaker's intent.

What is the difference between "ruling class" and "upper class"?

While both terms refer to privileged segments of society, "ruling class" specifically denotes those with significant political and economic control, whereas "upper class" primarily refers to those with high socioeconomic status. The "upper class" may or may not be part of the "ruling class".