superior breed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "superior breed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing classifications, qualities, or characteristics of groups, particularly in discussions about animals or genetics. Example: "The researchers claimed that the new strain of dogs was a superior breed, known for its intelligence and loyalty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The diplomatic corps think of themselves as a superior breed to the more plebeian civil servants at health, transport and the other domestics of Whitehall.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is the one that says Paralympians are a separate and superior breed of sportsmen and women beyond any of the vices, including the conceits, of those who are able to compete with less conspicuous handicaps.

Independent

The other end of the spectrum, backstage back-slapping, is most common in the musical, typified by A Chorus Line and Annie Get Your Gun, in which entertainers are presented as a superior breed – Annie's anthem is "There's no business like show business!" It's also a risk to some extent in Kiss Me Kate, although dissipated by the astringency of Cole Porter's lyrics.

The Guardian

"What I resented was their impudent assumption that I wanted to mingle with them," he wrote, "their arrogant and conceited pretence that no matter how depraved and degenerate some of them might be, they, each and every one of them, was of a superior breed".

The Guardian

The Germanic tribes that pressed against the boundaries of Rome from the 3rd century on may have made a breakthrough in horse breeding, and, in the Arab conquests of the 7th century and following, the superior breed of the Arabian horse was a major determinant of tactical success.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He described Mr Kerry as a "tax-and-spend" type, but his plans seem to show him as a "cut-taxes-and-spend" type, not obviously a superior breed.Funding the baby boomers' retirement is a long-term worry, which will really begin to bite only after the winner of this election finishes his four-year term.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Since migrants are usually from genetically superior breeds, optimum contribution selection is likely to reduce breeding values if there is no constraint on the expected breeding value of the offspring.

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

They have been crossed with superior breeds in order to improve the economic value of the breeding stock.

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

Over a long period of time the Moors took Arabian and North African horses into Spain, where they were crossed with the native stock and produced the superior breeds that were sought after by other nations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition to their superior breeds, Americans prefer to age their beef to enhance flavor and promote tenderness -- a tradition that is only now being embraced by the French.

Huffington Post

Consequently, most historic breeds are now extinct and the remaining ones have considerable genetic contributions from a small number of economically superior breeds.

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing animals or genetics, use "superior breed" to denote a lineage exhibiting enhanced or desirable traits. Ensure the context clearly defines what makes the breed superior.

Common error

Refrain from using "superior breed" loosely in contexts where objective criteria for superiority are lacking. Clearly define and substantiate any claims of superiority to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "superior breed" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "superior" modifies the noun "breed". It describes a specific category or type distinguished by its advantageous qualities. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is used both in scientific and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "superior breed" effectively communicates the idea of a particular group possessing enhanced or preferred qualities, most commonly applied to animals and plants. Grammatically sound and employed across diverse contexts from science to news media, its frequency is considered uncommon. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase is correct, although its usage requires an awareness of the specific qualities that constitute the superiority and providing objective evidence for such claims is key to sound usage of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elite breed

Emphasizes the exclusivity and high status of the breed.

exceptional breed

Highlights the breed's unusual and outstanding characteristics.

excellent breed

Replaces "superior" with a more general term indicating high quality.

great breed

Similar to "excellent breed", but uses a more emphatic adjective.

prime breed

Suggests the breed is of the highest quality and importance.

premium breed

Highlights the high value and quality of the breed.

superior pedigree

Focuses on the lineage or ancestry as a mark of quality, rather than the breed itself.

select breed

Highlights the breed's chosen or preferred status.

top-tier breed

Modern phrasing, explicitly indicating highest level of quality.

first-rate breed

Emphasizes the high standard and quality of the breed.

FAQs

How can I use "superior breed" in a sentence?

You can use "superior breed" to describe animals or plants that have been selectively bred for desirable traits. For example: "The Arabian horse is considered a "superior breed" known for its endurance."

What is a less formal alternative to "superior breed"?

In less formal contexts, you could use phrases like "excellent type", "better variety", or "enhanced species" depending on the subject.

When is it appropriate to use the term "superior breed"?

The term is most appropriate when discussing selectively bred animals, plants, or other organisms where there is objective evidence of improved traits or characteristics.

What are some synonyms for "superior breed" that I could use?

Synonyms include "elite breed", "prime breed", or "select breed", which all convey the idea of high quality and selective breeding.