Is 'first class' hyphenated?

When used as an adjective before a noun, it is often hyphenated (a first-class ticket). When used as an adverb or predicate adjective, it is usually not (The service was first class. We flew first class).

What is the opposite of 'first class' on a plane?

The most direct opposite is 'economy class' (also called 'coach'). 'Business class' is an intermediate category.

Can 'first class' be used for people?

Yes, informally to mean someone is excellent at their job or role (e.g., 'He's a first-class teacher'). It is complimentary.

What does 'first' refer to in 'first-class degree'?

It refers to the 'first class' or top division of degree honours in the British system (First, Upper Second, Lower Second, Third).

first class

UK/ˌfɜːst ˈklɑːs/US/ˌfɜːrst ˈklæs/

Formal, Informal, Business

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

Of the highest quality, rank, or standard.

Can refer to the most luxurious category of travel (e.g., on a plane or train), top-class academic degree honours, a premium postal service, or a descriptor for something/someone excellent.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Primarily used as an adjective or noun. While it describes quality, in contexts like degrees and travel, it denotes a specific, official category.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In the US, 'first class' is the standard term for premium travel and top-tier postal service. In the UK, for rail travel, 'First Class' is common; for academic degrees, 'first-class honours' is the official term.

Connotations

Universally positive, associated with luxury, excellence, and prestige. No significant difference in connotation.

Frequency

Slightly higher frequency in British English due to the common academic context ('first-class degree').

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

first-class servicefirst-class degreefirst-class seatfirst-class postfirst-class honours

medium

first-class accommodationfirst-class travelfirst-class ticketfirst-class treatment

weak

first-class experiencefirst-class facilitiesfirst-class product

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[be] + first classtravel + first classsend + something + first classgraduate + with + a first class

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

premiertop-tierfive-staroutstanding

Neutral

top-qualityexcellentsuperior

Weak

very goodhigh-quality

Vocabulary

Antonyms

second-ratepoor qualityeconomy classthird classinferior

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“In a class of its own (related conceptually)”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Refers to premium service levels, executive travel, or high-end client treatment.

Academic

Specifically denotes the highest honours classification for a British undergraduate degree (a first).

Everyday

Used to describe anything of exceptional quality, e.g., 'This cake is first class!'

Technical

In logistics/postal services, a category for fastest delivery.

Examples

By Part of Speech

adverb

British English

I always send important documents first class.
They travelled first class on the Eurostar.

American English

Make sure to mail that package first class.
We flew first class to Hawaii for our anniversary.

adjective

British English

She received a first-class honours degree from Cambridge.
We booked first-class rail tickets to Edinburgh.

American English

The hotel provided first-class service throughout our stay.
He's a first-class engineer with decades of experience.

Examples

By CEFR Level

The food on the plane was very good. We were in first class.
He is a first-class footballer.

I'm saving money to travel first class one day.
The company is known for its first-class customer service.

She graduated with a first class in Physics, which is a remarkable achievement.
Despite the high cost, the first-class experience was worth it for the long-haul flight.

The consultant's first-class analysis of the data yielded groundbreaking insights for the project.
His first-class treatment of the subject in his doctoral thesis earned him immediate academic recognition.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of being FIRST in the CLASS – you're at the top, the best.

Conceptual Metaphor

HIERARCHY IS VERTICALITY (being at the top/ first rank); QUALITY IS WEALTH/ LUXURY.

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid direct translation for 'first-class degree' – it's not 'первоклассная степень', but 'диплом с отличием' or 'степень первого класса'.
In travel, 'первый класс' is correct, but be aware it's a fixed category, not a general adjective here.

Common Mistakes

Using it as an adverb without a hyphen: 'He travelled first class' (correct) vs. 'He travelled first-classly' (incorrect).
Confusing 'first class' (category) with 'first-rate' (general adjective).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

If you want it to arrive tomorrow, you should send it .

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'first class' specifically an official category, not just a description of quality?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: When used as an adjective before a noun, it is often hyphenated (a first-class ticket). When used as an adverb or predicate adjective, it is usually not (The service was first class. We flew first class).
: The most direct opposite is 'economy class' (also called 'coach'). 'Business class' is an intermediate category.
: Yes, informally to mean someone is excellent at their job or role (e.g., 'He's a first-class teacher'). It is complimentary.
: It refers to the 'first class' or top division of degree honours in the British system (First, Upper Second, Lower Second, Third).