top prize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "top prize" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the highest award or recognition given in a competition or contest. Example: "After months of hard work, she finally won the top prize at the science fair for her innovative project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He speculated about the top prize.

The New York Times

Top prize goes to Lil' Pope.

Independent

The top prize was listed as $251,000.

The New York Times

Her report won the fellowship's top prize.

The Guardian

Last year, because took the top prize.

The Guardian - Books

But it won top prize at Tribeca.

The Guardian

"That creation won the top prize, too".

The New York Times

Then the film took the Producers Guild's top prize.

The New York Times

The top prize is $250,000 and a cookbook contract.

The New York Times - Arts

I just wish the top prize had gone to Carol.

The Guardian - Film

The top prize in the tournament is $8.94 million.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a competition or contest, use "top prize" to clearly indicate the most significant award being offered.

Common error

Avoid using "top prize" interchangeably with terms like "participation award". "Top prize" specifically refers to the highest honor, not general recognition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "top prize" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies the most significant award or honor in a competition or contest. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "top prize" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote the most significant reward in a competition or contest. As shown by Ludwig AI, it appears very frequently in news and media, maintaining a neutral register applicable across various contexts. When writing, consider synonyms like ""grand prize"" or "ultimate reward" to add variety, while avoiding confusion with general recognition awards. Ludwig provides ample real-world examples of its usage, solidifying its status as a versatile and effective term for emphasizing achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grand prize

Focuses on the scale and significance of the prize.

first prize

Emphasizes the ranking and order of achievement.

ultimate reward

Highlights the benefit and desirability of winning.

highest honor

Shifts focus to the prestige and recognition associated with the prize.

chief award

Indicates the main or most important award.

premier award

Suggests the award is of the highest quality or rank.

top honor

Similar to "highest honor" but slightly less formal.

winning prize

Highlights the act of winning and the prize received.

jackpot

Specifically refers to a large or significant monetary prize.

the pot of gold

Idiomatic expression for a highly desirable reward or achievement.

FAQs

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

You can use "top prize" to refer to the most significant reward in a competition. For example, "The "grand prize" was a scholarship to a prestigious university."

What is a more formal way to say "top prize"?

More formal alternatives include "highest honor" or "premier award", which emphasize the prestige and importance of the prize.

What can I say instead of "top prize" in a more casual context?

In a more casual setting, you might use "jackpot" or "ultimate reward" to describe the "top prize".

Is there a difference between "first prize" and "top prize"?

"First prize" and "top prize" are often used interchangeably, but "top prize" can sometimes refer to a more substantial or prestigious award than simply being first. In most contexts, though, the terms are synonymous.