this is first rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is first rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is of excellent quality or very good. Example: "The service at the restaurant was exceptional; I can confidently say this is first rate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is first-rate mischief.

The New Yorker

This is first-rate work — both by the author and by Wal-Mart itself.

The New York Times

All this is first-rate: camp has been struck and we are into the realm of high drama.

The Guardian

This is first-rate writing, as you might expect from someone who regularly praises the great Nan Shepherd, whose The Living Mountain is an enduring marvel of nature-writing.

The Guardian - Books

Inside and outside the courtroom, this is first-rate ensemble acting, but two fierce performances stand out: Derek Jacobi's as a self-confident defense lawyer who proves that you can give 'em the old razzle-dazzle even when you're wearing a powdered wig, and Peter Vaughan's as the aforementioned father-in-law, who is also controlling, confrontational, narcissistic and anti-Semitic.

The New York Times

"I did hear one person make a comment like, 'Oh, come on, this is second-rate soccer; this is like women,' but I didn't get offended".

The New York Times

This is first-rate Korean barbecue, the banchan and kkot sal perhaps a step below what you might find at Park's, but well beyond solid.

Los Angeles Times

Allmusic writer Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted that Dr. Dre had expanded on the G-funk beats on his previous album, The Chronic, and stated, "He's pushed himself hard, finding new variations in the formula by adding ominous strings, soulful vocals, and reggae, resulting in fairly interesting recontextualizations" and went on to say, "Sonically, this is first-rate, straight-up gangsta".

Wikipedia

A: There was a worry in the beginning, when terms like this were being thrown around loosely … but early on, Francis Collins and the leadership of [the National Institutes of Health] had the sense to call around, and they put together an extraordinary science advisory board … and to a person this is first-rate.

Los Angeles Times

Functionally, formally and symbolically, this sequence is first rate.

The New York Times - Arts

That base could have done with a little more char, perhaps, but overall this was first-rate pizza.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is first rate" to clearly and positively express your assessment of something's quality. This phrase directly communicates your high opinion.

Common error

While "this is first rate" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for alternatives like "this is excellent" or "this is of the highest caliber" /s/this+is+of+the+highest+caliber to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is first rate" functions as a subject complement, attributing a quality to the subject. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English to express excellent quality.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is first rate" is a grammatically correct and generally acceptable phrase used to express that something is of high quality. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, more formal options may be preferred in specific contexts. Consider alternatives like "this is excellent" or "this is top-notch" depending on the desired tone. Since examples are currently missing, further analysis is limited.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is top notch

Replaces 'first rate' with 'top notch', emphasizing the superior quality.

this is excellent

Uses a simpler adjective, 'excellent', to express high quality.

this is superb

Employs 'superb' to indicate outstanding quality.

this is outstanding

Substitutes 'first rate' with 'outstanding', highlighting exceptional quality.

this is of the highest caliber

More formal phrasing to denote exceptional quality.

this is second to none

Indicates that something is the best and unmatched.

this is world class

Suggests a level of quality that is recognized globally.

this is state of the art

Implies the most modern and advanced quality.

this is truly exceptional

Adds emphasis with 'truly', highlighting the exceptional nature.

this is premium quality

Focuses specifically on the quality aspect, using the term 'premium'.

FAQs

How can I use "this is first rate" in a sentence?

You can use "this is first rate" to describe something of excellent quality. For example, "The service here is fantastic; "this is first rate"."

What are some alternatives to saying "this is first rate"?

Alternatives include "this is top notch", "this is excellent", or "this is superb", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "this is first rate" formal or informal?

"This is first rate" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain situations.

What does "this is first rate" actually mean?

It means that something is of very high quality or excellent. It is a way of expressing strong approval or satisfaction.