a gene

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gene" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific gene in a biological or genetic context. Example: "Scientists have discovered a gene that plays a crucial role in determining eye color."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

I'm a gene believer.

The New Yorker

Methylation shuts a gene down.

The Economist

It's not a gene or anything.

The New Yorker

A gene for hotel preference awaits expression".

The New Yorker

It's like a gene or something".

The New York Times

I think it's a gene thing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Take the MAO-A gene.

Huffington Post

a. Gene locus.

BMC Genomics

(a) = Gene sequences available at.

BMC Genomics

A. Gene model of TcBBM.

BMC Plant Biology

Big Red was, in part, a Gene Keady creation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a specific gene, ensure you provide its name or function for clarity. For example: "Scientists are studying a gene, BRCA1, linked to breast cancer."

Common error

Avoid attributing complex traits or behaviors solely to "a gene" without acknowledging the interplay of multiple genes and environmental factors. Be cautious about genetic determinism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gene" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a single, unspecified gene in a discussion about genetics, heredity, or molecular biology. Ludwig examples show varied contexts from gene function to gene mutation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a gene" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase primarily used in scientific and news media to discuss individual genes. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to introduce a gene within a broader biological or genetic context. While generally used in neutral to formal registers, it's crucial to avoid overgeneralizing gene function and to specify the gene's name or function for clarity. Related phrases include "one gene" and "a specific gene", offering alternative ways to refer to a gene with varying degrees of emphasis. Therefore, consider this a key tool for discussions surrounding heredity, genetics and molecular functions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one gene

Emphasizes the singularity of the gene being referenced.

a specific gene

Highlights the particularity of the gene under discussion.

the gene in question

Refers to a gene previously mentioned or understood in the context.

a genetic sequence

Shifts the focus to the gene's sequence of nucleotides.

a hereditary unit

Emphasizes the gene's role in heredity.

a segment of DNA

Focuses on the physical location of the gene on the DNA.

a coding region

Highlights the gene's function in coding for proteins.

a genetic factor

Broadens the scope to include the gene as a factor in genetic traits.

a chromosomal element

Refers to the gene's location on a chromosome.

a heritable trait

Highlights the gene's contribution to traits passed down through generations.

FAQs

How is "a gene" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a gene" is used to refer to a single, specific gene within a broader context of genetics or heredity. For example, "Scientists have identified "a gene" that influences height."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a gene"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "one gene", "a specific gene", or "the gene in question" if it's already been introduced.

Is it correct to say "a gene for" a specific trait?

While commonly used, the phrase "a gene for" can be misleading. It's more accurate to say "a gene linked to" or "a gene associated with" a trait, as most traits are influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors.

What's the difference between "a gene" and "the gene"?

"A gene" refers to any gene in general or introduces a new gene into the discussion. "The gene" refers to a specific gene that has already been mentioned or is otherwise known in the context.