top brass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'top brass' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to senior-level management in a business or organization. For example: "The top brass at the company held a meeting to discuss the upcoming changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Britain's top brass are very unhappy.

The Guardian

The top brass is finally retiring.

The Economist

Fox top brass suspended her.

The Times

Pakistan's top brass are even more enterprising.

The Economist

Unimpressed, top brass considered recasting the movie.

The Guardian - Film

Here are Howard's top brass picks.

The Washington Post

A lot of the top brass did.

The New York Times

The top brass were all there.

The New York Times

Thus goaded, the top brass launched an unusually serious attack.

The Economist

Maybe RBS top brass would rather not talk to you.

Independent

Yet, strangely, the bank's new top brass is quietly confident.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "top brass" when you want to refer collectively to the highest-ranking individuals in an organization, particularly in military, business, or political contexts. It implies authority and decision-making power.

Common error

While "top brass" is widely understood, it can sound informal or colloquial in certain contexts. In highly formal writing, consider using more neutral terms like "senior management" or "leadership team".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top brass" functions primarily as a collective noun, referring to a group of high-ranking individuals within an organization, especially in military or business settings. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "top brass" is a common and correct collective noun used to describe the highest-ranking individuals within an organization, particularly in military or business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, it leans toward a neutral-to-professional register, making it suitable for news and general communication. When aiming for utmost formality, consider alternatives like "senior management" or "leadership team". Frequent use in sources like The Guardian and The Economist underscores its widespread acceptance and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

senior management

Focuses specifically on the management aspect, omitting potential military connotations.

high command

Implies a military structure or a hierarchical organization with strict command.

chief executives

Emphasizes the executive function and is generally used in a business context.

leading figures

Highlights the prominence and influence of the individuals.

governing body

Focuses on the group responsible for governance and policy-making.

upper echelons

Refers to the highest levels of an organization, often suggesting exclusivity.

top tier

Highlights the ranking or status within a particular field or group.

head honchos

A more informal and colloquial way to refer to leaders.

the powers that be

Emphasizes the authority and control held by the individuals.

bigwigs

An informal term denoting important or influential people.

FAQs

How can I use "top brass" in a sentence?

You can use "top brass" to refer to the highest-ranking individuals in an organization. For example, "The "top brass" made the final decision on the new marketing strategy."

What does "top brass" mean?

"Top brass" refers to the senior-level management or leadership within an organization, often implying authority and decision-making power. It's commonly used in military, business, and political contexts.

What are some alternatives to "top brass"?

Alternatives to "top brass" include "senior management", "high command", or "chief executives", depending on the context.

Is "top brass" appropriate for formal writing?

While widely understood, "top brass" might be considered slightly informal. In highly formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "leadership team" or "executive leadership".