top mark

USAGE SUMMARY

"top mark" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an excellent result or achievement. For example, "She got a top mark on her calculus final."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It rounded the top mark 20 seconds ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

Q: Isn't having 8 as the top mark counter-intuitive?

The Guardian

America One's lead at the top mark was 32 seconds.

The New York Times - Sports

Last year's total of $183.9 million had been the previous top mark.

The New York Times

Wright led round the top mark first time when Ainslie was fifth.

Independent

Ainslie rounded the top mark in fifth, Hogh-Christensen in ninth.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

I love the hyperbolic, over-the-top, Mark Twain-story story, but I embrace all kinds of narrative, from the absurd to the real".

Los Angeles Times

Read the top-mark scoring students notebooks.You never know what secrets they may reveal of how they make you read further on.

WikiHow

Lacoste shirt and swim trunks, Asos tank top, Mark McNairy shoes, Ray-Ban sunglasses.

Vice

Asos tank top, Mark McNairy shorts; vintage bikini top; Jack Henry shirt.

Vice

Shades of Grey by Micah Cohen top, Mark McNary tie, visor and plastic ugs New York costumes; Obesity & Speed sweatshirt.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for an international audience, be mindful that "top mark" might be more commonly understood in British English contexts. Consider using "highest score" or "best result" for broader clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "top mark" in situations where a more precise term is needed. For instance, instead of saying 'The company achieved a top mark in customer satisfaction', use 'The company achieved the highest rating in customer satisfaction' for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top mark" functions as a noun phrase, typically referring to the highest possible score or achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English, as seen in various examples from news articles, academic papers, and general writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "top mark" is a noun phrase used to denote the highest possible score or level of achievement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across varied contexts like news, sports, and academics. While broadly applicable, it's important to consider the specific context and audience, with alternatives like "highest grade" or "best score" being suitable in more formal environments. Remember that while common, "top mark" is slightly more prevalent in British English. As Ludwig examples show, mastering its usage depends on understanding these nuances to ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highest grade

Replaces 'mark' with 'grade', focusing on academic achievement.

best score

Substitutes 'mark' with 'score', suitable for competitive situations.

maximum points

Uses 'points' instead of 'mark', highlighting the total achievable.

highest rating

Replaces 'mark' with 'rating', often used for evaluations and reviews.

peak performance

Shifts focus to the quality of performance rather than a specific score.

leading position

Emphasizes being in first place, common in sports or competitions.

record best

Focuses on achieving a new personal or general best.

gold standard

Indicates the best achievable level of quality or performance.

benchmark

Implies a level of achievement used as a standard for comparison.

acme of perfection

Elevates the phrase to denote ultimate excellence.

FAQs

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

You can use "top mark" to describe an excellent achievement. For instance, "She received the "highest grade" in her class" or "The athlete achieved the "best score" at the competition".

What are some alternatives to "top mark"?

Alternatives to "top mark" include "highest grade", "best score", "maximum points", or "peak performance", depending on the context.

Is "top mark" formal or informal?

"Top mark" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it may be more common in British English. In more formal settings, consider using "highest achievement" or "best result".

What does "top mark" mean?

"Top mark" refers to the highest possible score, grade, or level of achievement in a particular context, such as in academics, sports, or evaluations.