top graduate

USAGE SUMMARY

"top graduate" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a student who excels in their academic pursuits and stands out among their peers. It can also refer to a graduate who achieved the highest grades or accomplishments in their class. Example: "Samantha was recognized as the top graduate in her class, earning a perfect GPA and numerous academic awards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

It's 2016, meaning the competition for top graduate jobs is rife.

Independent

Zhang Xie zhuangyuan ("Top Graduate Zhang Xie") is probably the oldest of the three texts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was the top graduate of all of Lexington's high schools in the class of 1965.

The New Yorker

He was a student at one of China's top graduate business schools.

The New York Times

Today's research by graduate-recruitment expertHigh Fliers is based on a survey of the country's 100 top graduate recruiters.

Independent

It will probably hurt less prestigious graduate schools first, but eventually it will make it to the top graduate schools..

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Meanwhile Teach First sends top graduates into poor schools.

The Economist

But many of the top graduates choose to emigrate.

The New York Times

Teach for America is fiercely competitive, drawing top graduates accustomed to success.

The New York Times

First, the governments in these countries recruit top graduates to the profession.

The New York Times

"Our aim is to attract more top graduates into the profession".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "top graduate" to highlight exceptional academic performance and potential, especially when recommending or introducing someone.

Common error

Avoid using "top graduate" without providing context or specific accomplishments. Simply stating someone is a "top graduate" lacks impact without supporting details about their achievements or the program they excelled in.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top graduate" functions primarily as a noun modifier, specifically an adjective phrase modifying the noun "graduate". It describes the quality or status of the graduate, indicating that they are among the best or highest-achieving in their cohort. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples where "top graduate" precedes the noun it modifies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "top graduate" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a graduate who has achieved exceptional academic success. As Ludwig AI points out, it functions as a noun modifier, highlighting the graduate's excellence and potential. It’s important to provide context when using this phrase to specify the area in which the graduate excelled. While the phrase is versatile, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science. By understanding its function and usage patterns, writers can effectively use "top graduate" to communicate achievement and merit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outstanding graduate

Replaces "top" with "outstanding", emphasizing exceptional performance.

leading graduate

Substitutes "top" with "leading", highlighting a position of prominence.

highest-ranking graduate

Emphasizes rank instead of simply being "top".

best graduate

Replaces "top" with "best", indicating superior quality or achievement.

exceptional graduate

Uses "exceptional" to convey a high level of accomplishment.

premier graduate

Suggests a high status and exclusivity.

accomplished graduate

Focuses on the graduate's achievements.

distinguished graduate

Implies honor and recognition for the graduate.

elite graduate

Conveys exclusivity and high standards.

successful graduate

Highlights the positive outcomes of the graduate's studies.

FAQs

What does it mean to be a "top graduate"?

Being a "top graduate" typically means achieving the highest academic standing in a graduating class or program, often marked by exceptional grades, awards, and recognition.

How can I use the phrase "top graduate" in a sentence?

You might say, "She was recognized as the "top graduate" of her engineering program" or "The company actively recruits "top graduates" from leading universities."

What are some alternative phrases for "top graduate"?

Alternatives include "outstanding graduate", "leading graduate", or "highest-ranking graduate" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "top graduate" or "best graduate"?

Both "top graduate" and "best graduate" are acceptable, but "top graduate" is slightly more formal and commonly used in academic or professional settings. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.