top leader

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "top leader" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the highest-ranking individual in an organization or group, often in a business or political context. Example: "The top leader of the company announced a new strategic direction during the annual meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The gang's top leader, Heriberto Lazcano, remains at large.

The New York Times

The group's top leader, Pol Pot, died in 1998.

The Guardian

"For a book-centric Web site," she said, "they are clearly the top leader".

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Rodríguez is the inmates' top leader — a "pran" as alpha prisoners are called.

The New York Times

How well he could handle a crisis as China's top leader is anyone's guess.

The Economist

Last November, the FARC's top leader, Alfonso Cano, was killed in a government operation.

The New York Times

This was the first visit to the demonstrators by a top leader, and the last.

The Economist

Besides, the group's top leader on campus is the son of an important politician.

The New York Times

But in a statement, the alliance described the man as the movement's top leader in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Mr. Xi was appointed as party chief and the top leader in China last November.

The New York Times

The government considers any outside criticism of its top leader a grave challenge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "top leader", ensure the context clearly indicates the organization or group the person leads. For clarity, specify the area of leadership (e.g., "top leader of the political party").

Common error

Avoid using "top leader" without specifying the context. For example, instead of saying "the top leader made a decision", clarify it as "the top leader of the company made a strategic decision" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top leader" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies an individual holding the highest position within a group or organization. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from political entities to business corporations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "top leader" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to the highest-ranking individual in an organization. According to Ludwig, it is particularly frequent in news and media contexts. While acceptable for formal and business use, being more specific like "CEO" or "President" can add precision. When employing "top leader", ensure that the context clarifies which entity the leader is associated with to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chief executive

This term is often used in business contexts to refer to the highest-ranking executive in a company.

supreme commander

This phrase implies the highest level of authority, particularly in military or strategic contexts.

principal authority

This suggests someone who holds the primary power or influence in a given area.

head of the organization

A more general term denoting the person in charge of an organization.

leading figure

This phrase highlights someone who is prominent and influential in a particular field or movement.

key decision-maker

This emphasizes the role of the individual in making important choices and policies.

chief of staff

A term mostly used in military, government, or political context.

commander in chief

A term mostly used in military context.

director general

A more bureaucratic-sounding title, often used in governmental or international organizations.

presiding officer

This term is frequently employed when addressing political position in a formal assembly.

FAQs

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

You can use "top leader" to refer to the highest-ranking individual in an organization. For example, "The "top leader" of the company announced a new initiative."

What are some alternatives to "top leader"?

Alternatives to "top leader" include "chief executive", "supreme commander", or "head of the organization" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "top leader" in formal writing?

Yes, "top leader" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news reports, business documents, and academic papers. However, consider more specific titles like "president" or "CEO" for enhanced precision.

What's the difference between "top leader" and "leading figure"?

"Top leader" specifically denotes the individual with the highest authority in an organization, while "leading figure" refers to someone who is prominent and influential, but not necessarily at the apex of a hierarchy.