the best

USAGE SUMMARY

"the best" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is of the highest quality, or to refer to the one preferred out of a group of choices. For example, "This restaurant has the best pancakes I've ever tasted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They want the best of the best.

The New Yorker

The best breweries use the best barley.

Independent

"The best product, the best players".

Independent

"He's the best of the best".

The New York Times

The best guess?

The New York Times

Kittens are the best.

The New Yorker

He's the best.

The New York Times

On to the best.

The New Yorker

"Ah, the best restaurant?

Independent

And the best deal?

The New Yorker

Sleep was the best.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the best" in comparative contexts, make it clear what is being compared with so that the statement retains its effect and meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "the best" without providing context or a clear comparison. Saying something is "the best" without explaining why can sound subjective or unconvincing. Be specific about the qualities that make it superior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the best" typically functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating the highest quality or most excellent instance of that noun. Ludwig examples show it used to describe products, people, and experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the best" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the highest quality or most preferred option. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its effective use hinges on providing sufficient context to justify the superlative claim. While versatile across various registers, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. To enhance your writing, avoid vague assertions by specifying the criteria that define "the best". Alternatives like ""the finest"" or ""the greatest"" can offer nuanced expression, depending on the specific qualities you wish to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the finest

Emphasizes superior quality or craftsmanship.

the greatest

Highlights exceptional achievement or impact.

the ultimate

Suggests the highest possible level or degree.

the supreme

Implies the highest authority or rank.

the top

Indicates the highest position or level in a hierarchy.

the leading

Focuses on being at the forefront of a field or industry.

the most excellent

Emphasizes outstanding quality or merit.

the pick of the bunch

Indicates the preferred choice from a selection.

the cream of the crop

Highlights the highest quality individuals or items from a group.

the gold standard

Refers to something that sets a benchmark for excellence.

FAQs

How can I use "the best" in a sentence?

You can use "the best" to describe something of the highest quality, such as "This is "the best coffee" I've ever had", or to indicate a top performer, like "She is "the best student" in her class".

What are some alternatives to "the best"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "the best" include "the finest", "the greatest", "the ultimate", or "the supreme".

Is it always appropriate to use "the best"?

While "the best" is grammatically correct, its appropriateness depends on context. Ensure you're not making unsubstantiated claims. Provide evidence or a clear comparison when asserting that something is "the best".

What's the difference between "the best" and "one of the best"?

"The best" implies something is definitively superior, while "one of the best" acknowledges it's among a group of top contenders but not necessarily the single best.