a disciple of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disciple of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who follows the teachings or beliefs of a particular person, group, or school of thought. For example, "Rigby was a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of peaceful protest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Jovellanos was a disciple of Adam Smith.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Carpenter was a disciple of Walt Whitman.

The Guardian - Books

Lajos is a disciple of Nietzsche.

The Guardian - Books

Herb Terrace is a disciple of Skinner a direct student.

The Economist

Vittorino was a disciple of both Barzizza and Guarino.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No, not a disciple of John Calvin, the preacher — a disciple of Calvin of Calvin and Hobbes.

The New York Times

Van Buren regarded himself as a disciple of Thomas Jefferson.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a disciple of Ayn Rand, you'll undoubtedly appreciate it.

The New York Times

I'm unafraid to proclaim myself a disciple of Jesus Christ.

The Guardian - Opinion

Blow was a disciple of John Ruskin and William Morris.

The New Yorker

Mr Walker remained in rigid posture (as befits a disciple of Japanese martial arts).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a disciple of", ensure that the context clearly indicates a relationship of learning, influence, or strong adherence to the teachings or principles of the person or idea being referenced. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the meaning.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a disciple of" loosely to describe a general influence or admiration. Reserve it for situations where a clear mentor-mentee relationship or a strong commitment to a specific doctrine or person is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disciple of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, specifically describing someone who adheres to the teachings, principles, or practices of a particular person, school of thought, or movement. As Ludwig confirms, it is suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a disciple of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe someone who adheres to the teachings, principles, or practices of a particular person or school of thought. According to Ludwig, its versatility shines through various contexts, especially within news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, maintaining a primarily neutral to formal tone. To ensure correct usage, it's best to reserve the phrase for situations where a clear relationship of mentorship or strong ideological commitment is evident, thus avoiding ambiguity. Related phrases such as "a follower of" or "a student of" can be used depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a follower of

Focuses on adherence or commitment to a person or cause, less emphasis on structured learning.

a student of

Highlights a formal learning relationship, usually within an academic or structured setting.

a pupil of

Similar to "student", but can imply a more personal or informal learning environment.

an adherent of

Emphasizes a strong commitment to a set of beliefs or principles.

a devotee of

Implies strong admiration and dedication, often in a spiritual or artistic context.

a protégé of

Suggests a mentorship relationship where the individual is being guided to future success.

an apprentice of

Highlights a hands-on learning experience under a skilled practitioner, usually in a trade or craft.

a member of

Describes belonging to a group or movement, without necessarily implying direct instruction.

a proselyte to

Indicates someone who has converted to a particular belief system or ideology.

an imitator of

Implies copying or emulating someone's style or methods without necessarily understanding the underlying principles.

FAQs

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

Use "a disciple of" to describe someone who closely follows the teachings or principles of a particular person or school of thought. For example, "He was "a disciple of" Mahatma Gandhi and dedicated his life to non-violent resistance."

What are some alternatives to "a disciple of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a follower of", "a student of", or "an adherent of" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "a disciple of" is appropriate for formal writing as long as the context accurately reflects a relationship of mentorship, learning, or strong ideological alignment.

What's the difference between "a disciple of" and "an admirer of"?

"A disciple of" implies a deeper level of commitment and learning than "an admirer of". An admirer appreciates someone's qualities, while a disciple actively follows their teachings or principles.