whichever is higher

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whichever is higher" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing two or more values and indicating that you want the greater of those values. Example: "The final score will be determined by the average of the two tests or the final exam, whichever is higher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Filers must do all the calculations for the regular return, then calculate the alternative tax and pay whichever is higher.

The New York Times

Fund regulations stipulate that applicants can receive $10,000 or 6percentt of the purchase price, whichever is higher.

The New York Times

Rents are based on a guaranteed minimum or a percentage of sales, whichever is higher, and vacancies are rare.

The New York Times

The maximum penalty for breaching the rules will be €20m (£17.5m) or 4% of global turnover, whichever is higher.

The Times

By 2016 the penalty rises to $695 per adult, or 2.5percentt of household income, whichever is higher.

The Washington Post

The fine is $95 per uninsured adult or 1percentt of income, whichever is higher, for the first year.

The Washington Post

Employers must pay an hourly wage equal to or greater than local, state, or federal minimum wage (whichever is higher).

Cornell University

Boards are now required to have at least 3 independent directors or one-third of the board, whichever is higher.

Harvard University

The penalty an uninsured adult will have to pay for 2014 is $95 or 1 percent of yearly income, whichever is higher, and rises to $695 or 2.5 percent of income, whichever is higher, by 2016.

The New York Times

The retooled plan imposes an "alternative minimum" tax on a graduated basis, which is calculated according to gross receipts or gross profits, whichever is higher.

The New York Times

Annual state pension increases are currently guaranteed by the triple lock, which ensures they rise in line with whichever is higher: earnings, inflation or 2.5%.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "whichever is higher", ensure that the context clearly defines the two or more options being compared. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "whichever is higher" when the options being compared are not explicitly stated or easily understood from the context. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whichever is higher" functions as a connector and selector, indicating that a choice must be made between two or more options based on which one has a greater value. As evidenced by Ludwig, this selection is crucial in various contexts, from legal to casual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

22%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whichever is higher" is a versatile phrase used to select the greater of two or more values in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency in sources like News & Media and Academia. While alternatives like "the greater of the two" or "the maximum value" can offer more precision, especially in formal settings, "whichever is higher" remains widely understood and applicable. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the options being compared are well-defined to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the greater of the two

This alternative is more concise and directly indicates selecting the larger value.

the larger of the two

This alternative is similar to 'the greater of the two', focusing on size rather than abstract value.

the higher value

This alternative emphasizes the numerical aspect of the selection.

the maximum value

This alternative uses a more technical term, suitable for mathematical or statistical contexts.

take the higher option

This alternative suggests a course of action, advising to choose the greater value.

select the larger amount

This alternative specifies that the selection involves a quantifiable amount.

opt for the greater number

This alternative is suitable when choosing among numerical values.

choose the higher figure

This alternative is appropriate when referring to statistics or financial data.

pick the bigger one

This alternative is more informal and suitable for casual conversations.

the superior choice

This alternative implies that the selected option is not only greater but also better in some qualitative aspect.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "whichever is higher" in a formal context?

In formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives such as "the greater of the two", "the maximum value", or "the "higher value"" for clarity and professionalism.

Is it correct to use "whichever is higher" in legal documents?

Yes, it's acceptable but ensure the terms being compared are unambiguously defined. Alternatives like "the greater of" or specifying "the larger amount" might add further precision.

What's the difference between "whichever is higher" and "whichever is greater"?

While both phrases are largely interchangeable, "whichever is higher" is often used in more general contexts, whereas "whichever is greater" is often used when referring to quantities or numerical values. The "greater of the two" can emphasize numerical comparison.

When should I use "whichever is higher" instead of "whichever is better"?

"Whichever is higher" is appropriate when comparing quantifiable values, such as numbers or amounts. Use "whichever is better" when assessing qualities or preferences that cannot be numerically measured. Therefore, the "superior choice" can't be directly associated with values.