upper social strata

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upper social strata" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the higher levels or classes within a society, often in discussions about social hierarchy or class distinctions. Example: "The policies implemented by the government primarily benefit the upper social strata, leaving the lower classes struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Newly married, he pushed himself into the city's upper social strata and found customers with money to spend.

The New York Times

Before World War I, both Austria and Prussia had three classes of weighted votes that effectively kept electoral power in the hands of the upper social strata.

Britannica

Invoking history, law and the upper social strata of Washington, Justice Antonin Scalia said on Thursday that he would not remove himself from a case before the Supreme Court involving his good friend, Vice President Dick Cheney.

The New York Times

In the upper social strata, many marriages still result from private matchmaking; in a broader example of this, professional matchmakers scour the graduation albums of top women's colleges and call alumnae at home to introduce them to bachelors.

The New York Times

But once tiny, pointed feet became a difficult-to-attain ideal of feminine beauty, an obstacle to infidelity and a mark of elevated social status, there was no way for parents in the upper social strata to abandon the practice without losing honor — and reducing their daughters' marriage prospects.

The New York Times - Books

The club was founded by students and its membership later drew from the upper social strata.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Thus they elevated several words used in everyday language to the upper social stratum of language use, leading to the invention of new terms to describe particular medical practices or phenomena.

Studies in History and Philosophy of Science Part C: Studies in History and Philosophy of Biological and Biomedical Sciences

This is typically the upper social stratum of the society with good access to resources and services.

BMJ Open

These schools were fee-paying and were thus available chiefly to the upper social and economic strata.

Britannica

The minority of citizens in the upper social and economic strata were educated in separate schools according to a classical humanist rationale of intelligence and fitness that equipped them to fill the higher positions in the Reich.

Britannica

She attended one of the country's best private schools, moved freely within the upper echelons of its social strata, reported religiously to church on Sundays and traveled to America for college.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about social hierarchies, use the phrase "upper social strata" to specifically refer to the highest levels of social class and influence. Ensure that the context clearly indicates you are discussing socioeconomic status and not just general social groups.

Common error

While "upper social strata" is a correct and usable phrase, overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Vary your language by using synonyms like "elite social class" or "high society" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upper social strata" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use. It identifies a specific segment within a society.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

21%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "upper social strata" is a noun phrase used to refer to the highest levels of society, often in the context of socioeconomic status and influence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use. While it's a correct phrase, varying your language with alternatives like "elite social class" or "high society" can enhance your writing. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, scientific articles and encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When discussing social hierarchies, this term precisely identifies the socioeconomic standing within a society.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elite social class

Replaces "strata" with "class", focusing on the elite nature of the group.

high society

A more concise and common way to refer to the upper echelons of society.

upper class

A broader term that encompasses the wealthy and privileged.

privileged social group

Emphasizes the privilege associated with belonging to this group.

wealthy elite

Focuses on the wealth aspect of the upper social class.

ruling class

Highlights the power and influence held by this group.

social elite

General term denoting people in the upper levels of a society.

affluent society members

Emphasizes the wealth and membership within the society.

upper echelons of society

Replaces "strata" with "echelons", indicating a hierarchical structure.

cream of society

An idiomatic expression for the best or most powerful members of a society.

FAQs

How can I use "upper social strata" in a sentence?

You can use "upper social strata" to describe the highest levels of society, such as, "The policies implemented by the government primarily benefit the "upper social strata".".

What are some alternatives to "upper social strata"?

Some alternatives include "elite social class", "high society", or "upper class", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "upper class" or "upper social strata"?

While "upper class" is a broader term, "upper social strata" is more specific and emphasizes the hierarchical aspect of social standing. Use "upper social strata" when you want to highlight the different layers within a society.

What is the difference between "social strata" and "social class"?

"Social strata" refers to the different layers or levels within a society, whereas "social class" is a broader categorization based on economic and social status. "Social class" is a more general term.