a faint echo of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a faint echo of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a subtle or weak reminder of something from the past or a slight resemblance to a previous idea or feeling. Example: "The melody was a faint echo of the song she used to sing as a child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And our disappointment is only a faint echo of the discontent among Livescribe developers, and those with pens like the Pulse and Echo whose main selling point is the app store itself.

TechCrunch

The clothes had a faint echo of the 1950s, but not in a retro way.

The New York Times

And at the bridge, there's a faint echo of Starship's "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now".

The New York Times - Arts

In a faint echo of the 1970s Congress introduced a wage-subsidy scheme last year.

The Economist

In a faint echo of Argentina's approach, he said that he wanted to forestall a large current-account deficit.

The Economist

Perhaps the most unnerving thing about "Three Tales" — is there a faint echo of Poe in the title?

The New Yorker

The "Smeargate" affair is a faint echo of it: he hired Damian, just as he did Charlie Whelan.

The Guardian

There was just a faint echo of two decades of Galliano style in the hairdos by Julien d'Ys and in the narrative set.

The New York Times

Even that celebration was but a faint echo of the blowout for Mr. Glenn after he became the first American to orbit the earth in 1962.

The New York Times

But even this assertion of an old American ideal — of immigrants as contributing members of society — was only a faint echo of Mr. Perry's former moderation.

The New York Times

Without the buoyancy provided by a large group "getting the lagers in", maybe it'll just eke out a faint echo of what used to be.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a faint echo of" to subtly connect a present situation or idea to a past one, creating a nuanced comparison without implying exact duplication.

Common error

Avoid using "a faint echo of" when the connection is strong or obvious. This phrase is most effective when the resemblance is subtle and might otherwise be overlooked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a faint echo of" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun phrase to indicate a subtle or diminished resemblance to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used. The examples show it linking present situations or ideas to past ones in a nuanced way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a faint echo of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a subtle or diminished resemblance between two things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed, especially in News & Media and Academia, to draw nuanced comparisons. While alternatives like "a slight trace of" and "a distant reminder of" exist, "a faint echo of" offers a specific connotation of something from the past reverberating in the present. When using this phrase, ensure the connection is subtle, avoiding overstatement for maximum impact. It's important to choose this phrase when you want to make allusions to the past.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight trace of

Focuses on the minimal presence or evidence of something.

a distant reminder of

Emphasizes the temporal or emotional separation from the original thing.

a subtle hint of

Highlights the understated and delicate nature of the suggestion or resemblance.

a mere shadow of

Stresses the diminished or incomplete quality of the resemblance.

a vestige of

Indicates a surviving trace or remnant of something that no longer exists fully.

a pale imitation of

Suggests a weak or inadequate copy, often implying a lack of authenticity.

a whisper of

Conveys an extremely faint or subtle indication.

a touch of

Implies a small amount or influence.

an inkling of

Refers to a vague idea or suspicion.

a glimmer of

Highlights a fleeting or indistinct sign or hope.

FAQs

How can I use "a faint echo of" in a sentence?

Use "a faint echo of" to indicate a subtle resemblance or reminder of something. For instance, "His leadership style was "a faint echo of" his predecessor's approach".

What can I say instead of "a faint echo of"?

You can use alternatives like "a slight trace of", "a distant reminder of", or "a subtle hint of" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a faint echo of" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when you want to draw a subtle comparison or allusion without making a direct or strong statement.

What's the difference between "a faint echo of" and "a strong resemblance to"?

"A faint echo of" implies a subtle or weak connection, while "a strong resemblance to" suggests a clear and noticeable similarity. Use "a faint echo of" when the connection is not immediately apparent or significant.