the highest thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the highest thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is considered the most elevated or superior in a particular context, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "In her opinion, love is the highest thing one can experience in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

That's the highest thing you can be.

University of California, Berkeley

It's the highest thing you can achieve.

The Guardian - Sport

And every time you have the highest thing happens and you say, this, too, will pass.

Cornell University

"You can't find the highest thing to jump from in order to practice your rolls.

The New Yorker

The achievement of elegance is the highest thing that a human being can do.

The New Yorker

And because it is the highest thing around, there are hardly any winds coming downhill to rile things up.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

We ask you to help give us the leaders who will be motivated only by the highest things, the things of good, not things of self, not anything personal, not anything selfish but a true love of the city".

The New York Times

As Steve Denning said, one of the highest things on the list is how do you create customer intimacy.

Forbes

Nor do I think those are the highest things a person can achieve.

Huffington Post

"In retrospect, the higher thing was the First Amendment, but at the time, what he was saying was just abhorrent". The station's student manager told Hannity he was being taken off the air.

The Washington Post

It would also be a big stretch to say that political reporters back then were less interested in the horse race, and kept their eyes fixed on the higher thing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the highest thing" when you want to emphasize the supremacy or ultimate importance of something. Ensure the context makes it clear what scale or value system you're using to define 'highest'.

Common error

Avoid using "the highest thing" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise or sophisticated language may be expected. Consider alternatives like "primary objective" or "ultimate goal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the highest thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something considered supreme or of utmost importance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

28%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the highest thing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that emphasizes the utmost importance or value of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally correct, although its level of formality can vary. While frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, writers should consider more precise alternatives for highly formal writing. Related phrases include "the ultimate achievement" and "the top priority", offering nuanced ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the ultimate achievement

Focuses on accomplishment rather than general superiority.

the supreme goal

Emphasizes the objective as being the most important.

the greatest aspiration

Highlights ambition and a desired goal.

the top priority

Highlights what is considered most urgent or crucial.

the ultimate objective

Highlights a desired end result.

the paramount concern

Indicates the most significant worry or priority.

the greatest value

Emphasizes the worth or importance of something.

the most important element

Stresses the significance of a component within a larger context.

the peak experience

Focuses on reaching a summit or a moment of intense emotion.

the finest point

Emphasizes perfection or quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "the highest thing" to describe something of utmost importance or value. For instance, "For her, being a loving parent is "the highest thing" one can achieve in life."

What are some alternatives to "the highest thing"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the ultimate goal", "the top priority", or "the greatest achievement".

Is it appropriate to use "the highest thing" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "the highest thing" might sound less formal. Consider using more precise terms such as "the paramount concern" or "the supreme goal" in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "the highest thing" and "the greatest thing"?

"The highest thing" implies a hierarchy or scale, whereas "the greatest thing" suggests excellence or magnitude. Use "the highest thing" when ranking items and "the greatest thing" when emphasizing quality.