a badge of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a badge of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to signify a symbol of honor, achievement, or identity associated with a particular quality or characteristic. Example: "For many, being a volunteer is a badge of pride that reflects their commitment to helping others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's a badge of honor.

The New York Times

Racing damage was a badge of courage.

The New York Times

Failure is a badge of honor.

The New Yorker

It's a badge of honor".

The New York Times - Style

It's a badge of good parenting.

Harvard University

"It's a badge of honor," he said.

The New York Times

Old Age Is A Badge Of Shame.

The Guardian - Books

"It's almost like a badge of bravery.

The Guardian

It was a badge of honour".

The Guardian - Music

"For me, that's a badge of honor".

The New York Times

This seems a badge of honour.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a badge of" to positively frame qualities or actions, highlighting their significance and value. For example, "volunteering is a badge of commitment" emphasizes the dedication of volunteers.

Common error

Avoid using "a badge of" to describe negative attributes or behaviors, as it generally implies something positive or honorable. For example, describing dishonesty as "a badge of honor" would be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a badge of" functions as a prepositional phrase often used to describe something that serves as an identifying or representative marker, typically of a positive attribute or accomplishment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies honor, achievement, or identity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a badge of" acts as a powerful tool to positively highlight and frame particular qualities or characteristics, signifying honor or achievement. It’s frequently found in news and media but is also common in academic contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage and clear meaning. When writing, be mindful to use it to describe positive attributes, avoiding negative contexts where its connotation would be inappropriate. Alternatives include "a symbol of" or "an emblem of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a symbol of

Emphasizes the representative nature of the attribute.

an emblem of

Highlights the symbolic and often visual representation.

a mark of

Focuses on the attribute as a distinguishing feature.

a sign of

Suggests the attribute is an indication or signal of something.

a token of

Implies the attribute is a tangible representation or memento.

a testament to

Highlights the attribute as evidence or proof of something.

an attribute of

Focuses on the quality as a characteristic or inherent part.

a hallmark of

Indicates a distinctive feature or characteristic.

a measure of

Suggests the attribute is used to assess or evaluate something.

an indicator of

Highlights the attribute as a pointer or guide.

FAQs

How can I use "a badge of" in a sentence?

Use "a badge of" to denote a symbolic attribute, achievement, or quality. For instance, "His dedication to the community was "a badge of honor"" shows his community work was something to be proud of.

What phrases are similar to "a badge of"?

Alternatives include "a symbol of", "an emblem of", or "a mark of". These phrases all suggest that something represents a particular quality or status.

Is it appropriate to use "a badge of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a badge of" can be used in formal writing to positively highlight accomplishments or traits. However, ensure the context aligns with the generally positive connotation of the phrase.

Can "a badge of" be used sarcastically?

While generally used positively, "a badge of" can be employed sarcastically to imply the opposite meaning, depending on context and tone. For instance, describing a mistake as ""a badge of honor"" might sarcastically suggest that someone is wrongly proud of it.