the highest

USAGE SUMMARY

'the highest' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the greatest or most extreme degree of a quality or quantity. For example, "I achieved the highest grade in the class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The highest numbers occur in the Americas.

BBC

That's the highest compliment.

The New York Times - Travel

Hosanna in the highest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The highest score wins.

The New York Times

We offered the highest price.

The New York Times

(The highest was in 1984).

The New York Times

considers the highest sustainable level.

The New York Times

Who was the highest bidder?

The New York Times

And deserves the highest recognition.

The New York Times

It was the highest honour.

Independent

They'll pay the highest taxes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the highest", ensure the context clearly defines what is being measured or compared. For example, "the highest score" needs a defined scoring system.

Common error

Avoid using "the highest" when an absolute maximum is already implied. For example, saying "the highest possible score" is redundant if the maximum score is already understood. Simplify to "the highest score".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the highest" functions as a superlative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that it possesses the greatest degree of a particular quality or attribute. Ludwig shows its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

28%

Encyclopedias

23%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the highest" is a versatile superlative adjective phrase used to denote the greatest degree or level of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, from everyday conversation to formal writing. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure clarity regarding the specific quality or attribute being compared. Alternatives such as "the greatest" or "the maximum" can offer nuanced variations, but "the highest" remains a clear and effective choice in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the greatest

Emphasizes magnitude or importance rather than elevation.

the maximum

Focuses on the upper limit or boundary.

the most elevated

Highlights physical or metaphorical height.

the supreme

Implies ultimate authority or power.

the top

Simple and direct, referring to the uppermost point.

the uppermost

Indicates the highest in a series or arrangement.

the peak

Suggests the culminating point or acme.

the utmost

Conveys the greatest extent or degree.

the paramount

Highlights the most important or dominant aspect.

the crowning

Implies a final and superlative achievement.

FAQs

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

You can use "the highest" to describe a superlative degree, such as "That mountain has "the highest peak" in the range" or "She achieved "the highest score" on the test".

What are some alternatives to using "the highest"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "the greatest", "the maximum", or "the most elevated" as alternatives to "the highest".

Is it correct to say "the highest ever"?

Yes, "the highest ever" is a correct and commonly used construction to emphasize that something surpasses all previous instances, such as "the highest ever recorded temperature".

What's the difference between "the highest" and "the tallest"?

"The highest" is a general superlative term indicating the greatest degree, amount, or level, while "the tallest" specifically refers to vertical height. You might say "the highest mountain" (referring to elevation), and "the tallest building" (referring to vertical height).