top percentile

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "top percentile" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a group or category that falls within the highest percentage of a given population, often in contexts like education or performance metrics. Example: "Students who scored in the top percentile on the standardized test are eligible for advanced placement courses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

His scores were in the top percentile.

The Washington Post

The top percentile hasn't taken such a large share of over-all income since 1928.

The New Yorker

To be in the top percentile, the threshold climbed to $760,000, according to Credit Suisse.

The Washington Post

Perhaps even more remarkable, one-fourth rank in the top percentile nationally in patient satisfaction.

Harvard Business Review

Princeton Review teachers must score in the top percentile of the tests they are preparing students for.

The New York Times

The C-suiters accounted for about a third of that chunk received by the top percentile.

The New York Times

This result is in the top percentile of 428 institutions reporting to the Trust Universe Comparison Service.

Princeton University

Today financiers account for 16 percent of the income of the top percentile, up from 9 percent in 1979.

The New York Times

In particular, those in the top percentile of income would see their taxes rise by 1.8 percent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Among top-percentile households, the woman's income was needed to help the household meet the threshold for the top 1percentt only 15percentt of the time.

The Washington Post

Comcast has set out to restrict usage to the very top percentile of users, rather than penalizing all users of a particular protocol.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "top percentile", clearly define the metric being measured (e.g., income, test scores, patient satisfaction) for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that being in the "top percentile" automatically implies causation or absolute superiority. It simply indicates a high ranking relative to a specific population or dataset.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top percentile" functions as a descriptive term, specifically a noun phrase. It is used to identify the uppermost segment of a ranked distribution, often emphasizing high achievement or status, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "top percentile" is a commonly used and grammatically sound term to describe entities ranking in the highest segment of a distribution. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Its primary function is descriptive, highlighting superior performance or status, and it maintains a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "highest percentile" and "elite percentile". When using this phrase, it's crucial to define the metric being measured to ensure clarity. Avoid the assumption that being in the "top percentile" equates to absolute superiority. In summary, the phrase is a clear and effective way to denote high ranking within a specific population or dataset.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highest percentile

Focuses on the superlative degree of the percentile, emphasizing the ranking.

elite percentile

Highlights the exclusivity and high status associated with the upper percentile.

upper echelon

Emphasizes the high social or professional level achieved.

top fraction

Uses a general term for portion, rather than specifically a percentile.

leading percentile

Implies being at the forefront or ahead of others in terms of performance or ranking.

premier percentile

Highlights the superior quality or position within the percentile ranking.

cream of the crop

An idiomatic expression indicating the best among a group.

best of the best

An intensified version indicating the highest quality of a group.

top segment

Refers to a segment of a distribution, instead of specifically a percentile.

upper crust

Emphasizes the high social status associated with the upper echelons of society.

FAQs

How is the phrase "top percentile" used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "top percentile" is used to describe the highest-ranking portion of a population, often in contexts such as test scores, research data, or performance metrics. For example, "Students in the "top percentile" on standardized tests often qualify for advanced programs."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "top percentile"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "highest percentile", "elite percentile", or "upper echelon" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "top one percentile" or "top 1 percentile"?

Both "top one percentile" and "top 1 percentile" are acceptable. The choice between using numerals or spelling out numbers often depends on the specific style guide or context. However, "top 1%" is a more concise and widely recognized alternative.

What does it mean when someone is described as being in the "top percentile" for income?

When someone is in the "top percentile" for income, it means their earnings are higher than 99% of the population being measured. This is often used to discuss income inequality and wealth distribution.