the highest of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the highest of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the utmost degree or level of something, often in a comparative context. Example: "She is regarded as the highest of authorities in the field of astrophysics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's the highest of the highest.

The Guardian - Sport

I'll have the highest of high standards.

The New York Times

Mike was the consummate professional at the highest of levels.

The New York Times

Perhaps the highest of any development group I've worked with.

The Guardian

I have the highest of respect for him.

The Guardian

The Birleys were the highest of haute bohemia.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm going to end on the highest of highs".

The New York Times - Sports

But prices in Britain are the highest of all.

The New York Times

For Schopenhauer, music was the highest of the arts.

The Guardian

The highest, of course, beckon only daring or suicidal climbers.

The New York Times - Travel

Keith was placing the Australians on the highest of pedestals.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the highest of" to emphasize a superlative quality within a specific group or context. For instance, "This is the highest of honors" underscores the exceptional nature of the award.

Common error

Avoid using "the highest of" when a simple superlative adjective suffices. Instead of "That's the highest of mountains", prefer "That's the highest mountain" if you are referring to a single entity without comparison to others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the highest of" functions as a determiner phrase functioning as a superlative modifier. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct, commonly used to denote the utmost degree within a defined set or category.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the highest of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express the superlative degree or state within a particular group or context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a determiner phrase and is prevalent in news, media, and formal business settings. While versatile, it should be used judiciously, ensuring it accurately conveys the intended emphasis and comparison. When writing, consider alternatives such as "the peak of" or "the greatest of" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the peak of

Focuses on the summit or apex, suggesting a culmination or most elevated point.

the most elevated of

Emphasizes vertical height or status elevation above others.

the uppermost of

Highlights a position at the very top, often implying physical placement.

the greatest of

Conveys superiority in scale, significance, or achievement.

the ultimate of

Suggests the final, definitive, or most extreme instance.

the supreme of

Implies unparalleled authority, power, or excellence.

the foremost of

Highlights a leading position in rank, importance, or time.

the zenith of

Denotes the highest point or state, especially in a figurative sense like success.

the apex of

Similar to 'zenith', but can apply to physical shapes and abstract concepts.

the acme of

Focuses on perfection or the highest possible attainment of quality.

FAQs

How do I use "the highest of" in a sentence?

Use "the highest of" to indicate the superlative degree within a group or range. For example, "This achievement represents the highest of honors" or "That score was the highest of the season".

What can I say instead of "the highest of"?

Alternatives include "the peak of", "the zenith of", or "the greatest of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the highest of high"?

While somewhat redundant, the phrase "the highest of high" can be used for emphasis, especially in informal contexts. However, using a stronger single superlative might be more effective in formal writing.

What is the difference between "the highest of" and "the highest"?

"The highest" typically refers to a singular superlative, while "the highest of" implies a superlative within a specific group. For example, "Mount Everest is the highest mountain", but "That peak is the highest of the range".