the privileged class

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the privileged class" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a social group that has advantages or benefits not available to others, often in discussions about social inequality or class structure. Example: "The policies implemented by the government often favor the privileged class, leaving the lower-income groups struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Republicans should use them to show that Obama's big government expands the privileges of the privileged class.

The New York Times

Having tea with Sir Benjamin, with the sun glinting on the windowpanes and a workman toiling in the next room, I can't help thinking of that line from The Philadelphia Story: "The prettiest sight in this fine, pretty world is the privileged class enjoying its privileges".

Independent

But as much as it clearly meant to Viktor Troicki to secure Serbia's first Davis Cup title on Sunday against France, the season that preceded all that partying and head shaving in Belgrade had quite a different theme: one of the privileged class continuing to enjoy its privileges.

The New York Times - Sports

We have been the privileged class for so long.

The New York Times

Among the privileged class, there was a craze for the culture and learning of Classic antiquity.

The Architecture of England From Norman Times to the Present Day

He's campaigning these days as the populist fighter, the scourge of the privileged class.

The New York Times

The privileged class looked to the West: the children read Mme de Genlis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's why one commentator recently declared: "marriage has recently become a capstone for the privileged class".

The Guardian - Opinion

Now lifestyle standards for the privileged class are set by people who live in Ward Three.

The New York Times

The privileged class has clean water, but they can't order clean air.

The Guardian

If the children of officials think that they are the privileged class, will future generations follow suit?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the privileged class", consider specifying the type of privilege (e.g., economic, social, political) to provide greater clarity and context. For instance, "the economically privileged class" or "the politically privileged class".

Common error

Avoid using "the privileged class" as a monolithic entity. Recognize that privilege can vary within groups and is not always absolute. Nuance is essential when discussing social hierarchies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the privileged class" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific group within society. As noted by Ludwig, it’s grammatically sound and commonly used. It acts as a subject or object in sentences, describing those who benefit from certain advantages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the privileged class" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that identifies a group benefiting from specific advantages, as validated by Ludwig. It serves to categorize and discuss socioeconomic disparities, as shown in various examples. While the phrase is suitable for neutral contexts such as news and academic analyses, it's important to consider its potential connotations when discussing sensitive social matters. Be mindful of overgeneralization and clearly define the type of privilege being referenced for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the upper class

A standard term for the highest social class, focusing on socioeconomic status.

the elite

Refers to a small group of powerful people; it's more concise and implies exclusivity.

the wealthy elite

More specific, emphasizing both wealth and elite status.

the affluent

Focuses on wealth and material prosperity.

the upper crust

An informal idiom denoting the wealthy and socially superior.

the one percent

A contemporary term referring to the wealthiest segment of the population.

the haves

A simple and direct term contrasting with "the have-nots".

the fortunate few

Highlights the element of luck or chance in attaining privilege.

the establishment

Refers to a dominant group that holds power and influence.

the ruling class

Emphasizes political power and control.

FAQs

How can I use "the privileged class" in a sentence?

You might say, "Policies often benefit "the privileged class", exacerbating inequality," or "Access to quality education is often limited to "the privileged class"."

What are some alternatives to "the privileged class"?

Depending on the context, you could use "the elite", "the upper class", "the wealthy elite", or "the affluent".

Is "the privileged class" a neutral term?

While grammatically correct, "the privileged class" can carry negative connotations, particularly when used in discussions about social injustice or inequality. Consider your audience and the potential for misinterpretation.

What is the difference between "the privileged class" and "the ruling class"?

"The privileged class" generally refers to those with advantages based on wealth, status, or social standing. "The ruling class" specifically denotes those who hold political power and control.