top of the class

USAGE SUMMARY

"top of the class" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It refers to being ranked highest in a class or group. Example: She studied diligently all semester and was rewarded with the top of the class award at the end of the year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I loved being top of the class.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was top of the class.

The Guardian

I think she's top of the class".

The New York Times - Magazine

Top of the class... Maria Callas.

The Guardian - Music

But for musicians, he's at the top of the class.

The New York Times

For centuries, boys were top of the class.

The Economist

In this subject, I'm top of the class, straight As.

The Guardian

Even at the top of the class, life is hard.

The Economist

For musicians, he is at the top of the class.

The New York Times

This week, however, rugby received a tribute straight from the top of the class.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Cadillac did manage to create a top-of-the-class chassis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "top of the class" to highlight superior performance or achievement within a specific group or field. Ensure the context clearly defines the class being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using "top of the class" without clearly defining the context or the specific group being referenced. This can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top of the class" functions as a noun phrase that typically modifies another noun or pronoun, indicating a superlative degree of achievement or ranking. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and in common use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "top of the class" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that signifies superior achievement within a group, primarily in academic or professional settings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. As showcased by Ludwig's examples, it is most commonly found in news and media, formal business contexts, and occasionally in scientific publications. Remember to ensure the context clarifies the specific class being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For alternative expressions, consider options such as "best in class" or "leading the pack", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

best in class

Emphasizes overall superiority within a category.

at the head of the class

A more literal synonym, emphasizing the position at the front.

number one

A straightforward declaration of being the best.

leading the pack

Focuses on being ahead of others in a competitive context.

highest-ranking

Focuses on numerical or hierarchical superiority.

cream of the crop

Highlights being the highest quality among a group.

a cut above

Implies a clear distinction in quality or ability.

among the best

Indicates being within a high-achieving subset.

elite performer

Highlights exceptional skill and achievement.

first-rate

Emphasizes excellent quality and performance.

FAQs

How can I use "top of the class" in a sentence?

You can use "top of the class" to describe someone who performs exceptionally well in their studies or profession. For example, "She graduated "top of the class" and went on to become a successful engineer."

What's the difference between "top of the class" and "best in class"?

While both phrases denote excellence, "top of the class" typically refers to academic or educational settings, whereas "best in class" can apply to broader contexts, such as products or services.

Which is correct, "top of the class" or "at the top of the class"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Top of the class" is more concise, while "at the top of the class" provides a slightly more descriptive emphasis on the position.

What can I say instead of "top of the class"?

You can use alternatives like "leading the pack", "cream of the crop", or "elite performer" depending on the context.