the king of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the king of something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to denote someone who is the best or most prominent in a particular field or area. Example: "He is often referred to as the king of pop due to his immense influence on the music industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I'm always the king of something.

The New Yorker

Is he known as the king of something?

The Guardian - Music

by Sharon Levy I'm always the king of something.

The New Yorker

It's good to be called the king of something but to have the most hundreds in ODI cricket for the West Indies?

The Guardian - Sport

Poetry by Matthew Dickman: "it's a breeze to be with your / whole family, to be the porch / they all sit on after the… I'm in the world again Your ankles make me want to party, I'm always the king of something.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Today I'm dressed just O.K. for a New Yorker but here I look like the king of Monaco or something," he burbles to himself on a trip into Kmart.

The New York Times - Books

Think of the following as "flags in the ground" for the brand, each the basis upon which to make informed brand decisions, each the starting point for more potent ideation, each designed to make Burger King, the king of burgers, mean something again.

Forbes

Like he was the king of the world or something".

The New Yorker

The king of hip-hop is something you could never be.

The New York Times

You've seen critters like squirrels and rats dig holes to store food, but who's ever seen a tiger, the king of the animals, do something like that?

The New Yorker

They should just make him king of something.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the king of something" to add a touch of informal emphasis when describing someone or something preeminent in a particular field. Ensure the context aligns with this slightly exaggerated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "the king of something" in formal or academic writing. It's generally more appropriate for casual conversation or journalistic contexts where a touch of hyperbole is acceptable.

Linguistic Context

"The king of something" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a title or descriptor. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It serves to identify and emphasize the exceptional status or dominance of a person or entity within a specific domain, as showcased by examples like "the king of pop".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the king of something" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote someone or something preeminent in a field, though Ludwig data indicates it is relatively infrequent. It functions as a noun phrase, often used as a title or descriptor and is generally regarded as neutral to informal. It finds its primary context in News & Media. Alternatives include "master of something" or "leader in something". While appropriate for casual or journalistic contexts, it should be used sparingly in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

master of something

Replaces "king" with "master", emphasizing skill and control.

ruler of something

Substitutes "king" with "ruler", focusing on authority and governance.

leader in something

Replaces "king" with "leader", highlighting guidance and direction.

expert at something

Shifts from royalty to expertise, emphasizing skill and knowledge.

best in something

Focuses on superiority without using a royal metaphor.

champion of something

Highlights advocacy and support, rather than dominance.

top of something

Indicates the highest position or rank.

head of something

Emphasizes a leadership role.

chief of something

Suggests a position of leadership or authority, often in a specific group or area.

the best there is at something

Emphasizes unparalleled skill or quality, offering a more emphatic alternative to simple superlatives.

FAQs

How can I use "the king of something" in a sentence?

This phrase is typically used to describe someone or something considered the best or most important in a particular area. For example, "He's known as "the king of pop"" or "This restaurant is "the king of burgers" in town."

What are some alternatives to "the king of something"?

You can use alternatives like "master of something", "ruler of something", or "leader in something" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "the king of something" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "the king of something" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using more neutral and precise alternatives such as "the leader in", "the expert in", or "the best at".

What does "the king of something" imply about the subject?

It suggests that the subject is not only highly skilled or successful but also holds a dominant or influential position within their field. It often carries a slightly hyperbolic or celebratory tone.