social elite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "social elite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of people who hold a privileged position in society, often due to wealth, education, or influence. Example: "The gala was attended by members of the social elite, showcasing the city's most influential figures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Barrows were traditionally built for the social elite.

Independent

Smartphones are central to the increase in gambling among the social elite.

Independent

The start of each season still draws Germany's political and social elite.

The Economist

Her husband's position automatically qualified Palmer for membership in Chicago's social elite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Does this mean British chess has always been confined to a social elite?

The Guardian - Opinion

Later they would mingle in Paris with movie stars and the social elite.

The New York Times - Books

Some of the sacrifices may have been eaten by the social elite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As in Virginia and Maryland, the planter class came to constitute a social elite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This time the social elite and the media are standing up for him".

The New York Times

NEWARK - ONCE upon a time, in distant Colonial America, only the social elite had silver services.

The New York Times

Mr Nihoul, 62, is said to have organised sex parties for the Brussels social elite.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "social elite" to describe groups who are not only wealthy but also wield considerable influence in shaping social norms and values.

Common error

Be specific about the characteristics that define the "social elite" in your context. Avoid vague or stereotypical portrayals that oversimplify the complexities of social stratification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "social elite" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a specific group of people within a society. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a valid and usable phrase. Its function is to categorize individuals based on their societal standing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "social elite" is a commonly used term to describe groups holding a privileged position in society due to factors like wealth, education, or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts. Analysis of usage patterns indicates that it appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and on wikis. While "social elite" is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of potential connotations and be specific about the characteristics that define the elite in their context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upper class

Indicates a group of people with high social status, typically based on wealth or birth.

privileged class

Highlights the advantages and benefits enjoyed by a specific group in society.

high society

Refers to the wealthy and influential members of a community, often associated with social events and gatherings.

ruling class

Implies a group that holds political and economic power, influencing the direction of society.

jet set

Describes a group of wealthy individuals who travel frequently and participate in exclusive social circles.

gentry

Refers to people of good social position, specifically the class of people next below the nobility in position and birth.

aristocracy

Emphasizes the hereditary nature of social status and privilege, often associated with noble families.

elite circles

Highlights the exclusivity and selectiveness of social groups with high status.

establishment

Indicates a dominant group or structure that holds power and influence in a particular field or society.

chattering classes

Suggests a group of educated and affluent individuals who engage in social and political discourse.

FAQs

How can I use "social elite" in a sentence?

You can use "social elite" to describe a group of people who hold a privileged position in society due to factors like wealth, education, or influence. For example: "The charity event was attended by members of the "social elite", showcasing the city's most influential figures."

What are some alternatives to "social elite"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "upper class", "privileged class", or "high society".

Is "social elite" a neutral term?

The term "social elite" can carry connotations of privilege and inequality. While it's not inherently negative, be mindful of the context and consider whether a more neutral term like "influential figures" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "social elite" and "ruling class"?

"Social elite" refers to a group with high social status and influence, while "ruling class" specifically denotes those who hold political and economic power.