top dollar

USAGE SUMMARY

"top dollar" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is of the highest quality, value, or price. For example, "If you want a top-of-the-line laptop, you should be prepared to pay top dollar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Suppliers asked, and got, top dollar.

The Economist

You can get top dollar for this.

The New Yorker

We'd pay top dollar, too.

The New Yorker

Celebrity ownership does not always assure top dollar.

The New York Times

It paid top dollar to get into India in 2007.

The New York Times

Not all online sellers are demanding top dollar.

The New York Times

Naturally the penthouse commands top dollar per square foot.

The New York Times

People are paying top dollar for a Flying Wallenda moment.

The New Yorker

In Washington, the government usually pays top dollar.

The New Yorker

He's making top dollar because he's an impact player.

The New York Times - Sports

"Those who paid top dollar got the best," he writes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "top dollar" when you want to emphasize that the price is the highest available or that something is worth a significant amount of money. It is best suited for situations where value and cost are primary considerations.

Common error

Avoid using "top dollar" in situations where the price is not necessarily the most important factor, such as when quality, ethical considerations, or social impact take precedence. In these cases, focus on the aspects that are most relevant to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top dollar" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an object of a verb. It signifies the maximum or highest price something can fetch. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used in business, finance, and general commerce contexts to denote premium value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "top dollar" is a noun phrase signifying the highest possible price or value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It is very common, appearing predominantly in news and business contexts, with a neutral to professional register. When writing, use "top dollar" to highlight a premium price or the upper end of a valuation. Be mindful of the context, ensuring that the focus is indeed on price and value, and use related phrases such as "premium price" or "highest price" for nuanced meanings. Remember that this phrase is most impactful when emphasizing financial considerations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highest price

Directly indicates the maximum amount paid or received.

premium price

Focuses on the elevated cost, highlighting the value placed on something.

best possible price

Highlights the advantageous nature of the price from one's perspective.

peak price

Emphasizes that the price is at its highest point, potentially temporary.

at a premium

Implies that the item or service is being sold at a higher price due to its desirable qualities.

steep price

Suggests the price is higher than expected or considered reasonable.

top of the market

Indicates a price that reflects the highest current value within the market.

market-leading price

Suggests that the high price reflects a dominant position in the market.

exorbitant price

Implies that the price is excessively high and possibly unfair.

a king's ransom

Figuratively expresses a very large sum of money.

FAQs

How is "top dollar" used in a sentence?

You can use "top dollar" to describe paying or receiving the highest possible price. For instance, "They paid "top dollar" to keep him in town" or "Celebrity ownership does not always assure "top dollar"".

What phrases are similar to "top dollar"?

Alternatives to "top dollar" include "premium price", "highest price", or "peak price" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "pay top dollar for something"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "pay "top dollar" for something" is a common idiom that means to pay the highest possible price for it.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "top dollar"?

The phrase "top dollar" is appropriate in contexts where the price or value of something is being emphasized, such as in real estate, auctions, or salary negotiations. It indicates a premium is being paid or sought.