top notch

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "top notch" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a slang term used to describe something of high quality or excellence. For example: "That was a top notch performance! I was thoroughly impressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Top notch ones, too.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Top notch cricket.

The Guardian - Sport

The liquor is top notch.

The New Yorker

"The fields are top notch.

The New York Times - Sports

All in all a "top notch" guy.

The New York Times

Top notch.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Top-notch museums?

The New York Times

Ingredients are top-notch.

The New York Times

"He's top-notch".

The New York Times

It's top-notch.

The New Yorker

He is top-notch".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "top notch", ensure that the context clearly supports the positive connotation. Avoid using it sarcastically, as this could confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "top notch" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "excellent", "first-rate", or "outstanding" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top notch" functions as an adjective, typically used attributively to describe nouns. It indicates that something is of the highest quality or is considered excellent, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples such as "top notch cricket" or "top notch instructors".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "top notch" is a commonly used adjective phrase that means of the highest quality or excellent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, primarily within news, media and wiki sources. While appropriate for many situations, it's advisable to consider your audience and the level of formality required in your writing, opting for synonyms like "excellent" or "superior" in more formal settings. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase to keep your writing engaging and varied. With its ability to convey admiration or satisfaction, "top notch" remains a valuable expression in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

first-rate

Uses an alternative adjective to convey high quality.

excellent

A general term for high quality, broader in application.

outstanding

Emphasizes standing out from the rest in terms of quality.

superior

Indicates a higher grade or quality compared to others.

premium

Suggests a higher price point associated with better quality.

high-caliber

Implies a high level of competence or quality.

of the highest quality

A more formal and explicit way of expressing top quality.

best in class

Highlights being the best among similar items or services.

top-tier

Implies being in the highest level of a ranking or hierarchy.

state-of-the-art

Focuses on the modern and advanced nature of the quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "top notch" to describe something of high quality. For example, "The service at that restaurant was "top notch"" or "The chef is "top notch"".

What are some alternatives to saying "top notch"?

Alternatives include "excellent", "outstanding", "first-rate", or "superior". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "top notch" appropriate for formal writing?

While "top notch" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using more formal alternatives like "excellent" or "superior".

What does "top notch" mean?

"Top notch" means of the highest quality; "excellent". It's used to describe something that is exceptionally good.