was first-rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was first-rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is of the highest quality or excellence. Example: "The service at the restaurant was first-rate, making our dining experience truly memorable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"He was first-rate.

The New Yorker

The writing was first-rate.

The New York Times

IT WAS first-rate political theatre.

The Economist

And the food was first-rate indeed.

The New York Times

As theater, the argument was first-rate.

The New York Times

Homemade tiramisù, though, was first-rate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Granted, the mozzarella was first rate.

The New York Times - Food

The Tchaikovsky was first rate.

The New York Times - Arts

Not all of it was first rate.

The Guardian - Books

Carrot cake, with carrots you could see, was first rate.

The New York Times

A strip of flaky, rare salmon was first rate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was first-rate" to positively describe the quality of something, whether it's a performance, product, or service. For example: "The customer service was first-rate."

Common error

While "was first-rate" is generally suitable for most contexts, consider if a more formal or informal term might be more appropriate depending on the audience and purpose. For example, "was excellent" or "was top-notch" may be better in certain scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was first-rate" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying the subject to indicate its quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something of exceptional quality. Examples include "The service was first-rate" and "The writing was first-rate."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was first-rate" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote exceptional quality. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and widespread applicability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to express approval and admiration, maintaining a neutral to slightly formal register. For situations requiring a more informal tone, alternatives like "was top-notch" or "was excellent" can be considered. Remember to use "was first-rate" when you wish to clearly communicate that something has met a very high standard.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was excellent

A more general term for high quality, lacking the specific nuance of 'first-rate'.

was superb

Implies outstanding quality or performance.

was outstanding

Indicates exceptional quality, standing out from the ordinary.

was top-notch

A more informal way of saying something was of the highest quality.

was exceptional

Highlights the unusual or remarkable nature of the quality.

was remarkable

Emphasizes the noteworthiness or unusualness of the quality.

was superior

Implies a higher level of quality compared to others of its kind.

was premium

Suggests the highest quality, often associated with luxury or exclusivity.

was of the highest caliber

A more formal way to express the highest standard of quality or competence.

was second to none

Indicates that something is the best and unmatched in its quality.

FAQs

How can I use "was first-rate" in a sentence?

You can use "was first-rate" to describe something of excellent quality. For example, "The food at the restaurant "was first-rate"."

What are some alternatives to "was first-rate"?

Alternatives include "was excellent", "was superb", or "was outstanding". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific context.

Is "was first-rate" formal or informal?

"Was first-rate" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for most professional and academic settings, but consider the audience when choosing between it and less formal options like "was top-notch".

What's the difference between "was first-rate" and "was good"?

"Was good" is a general statement of satisfaction. "Was first-rate" indicates something is of particularly high quality, exceeding typical expectations. "Was first-rate" is more emphatic and specific.