a genuine article

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a genuine article" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is authentic or real, often in the context of products or items that are not counterfeit. Example: "The antique dealer assured me that the vase I purchased was a genuine article from the Ming dynasty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He's a genuine article".

The New York Times

But on the off-chance it's a genuine article, why not take a chance?

The New York Times

NB: This is a genuine article London is full of fakes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why? -Is it always preferable to own a genuine article rather than its image?

The New York Times

Tannenbaum says there were two events last year that made him sure of what a genuine article he had in Ryan.

The New York Times - Magazine

Though this was a genuine article online, anyone who clicked on the associated Word file would open themselves up to BlackEnergy infection.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In general, his work was hard to sell, and even harder to look at, but in some circles he acquired a reputation as a sort of a beacon — the genuine article.

The New Yorker

Apprenticing himself to Johnnie Gold, a Chinese con man and fight trainer, McCoy finds his future: he will be both a flimflammer and a boxer, a faker and the genuine article.

The New York Times - Books

He is a real Rockefeller Rockefeller, the genuine article — with a well-established genetic provenance.

The New York Times

Edmund Morgan, whose latest book is a collection of essays called "The Genuine Article: A Historian Looks at Early America," said new details of Jefferson's relationship with the slave Sally Hemmings was now tarnishing the name of the third president.

The New York Times

C. S. Lewis suggests "The hills and valleys of heaven will be to those you now experience not as a copy is to an original, nor as a substitute to the genuine article, but as the flower to the root, or the diamond to the coal" (Letters to Malcolm).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing authenticity, use "a genuine article" to distinguish something from imitations or counterfeits.

Common error

While versatile, "a genuine article" may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "the real deal" or "the real thing" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a genuine article" functions as a descriptive phrase often used to emphasize the authenticity or realness of a noun. Ludwig provides examples where it describes people, objects, and even abstract concepts, reinforcing its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a genuine article" is a phrase used to describe something authentic and real, distinguishing it from imitations or counterfeits. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its common usage in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to reserve it for situations where a touch of formality is appropriate, opting for more casual alternatives in informal settings. Its communicative purpose is to convey trust and legitimacy by emphasizing the true nature of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the real deal

Replaces "genuine article" with a common idiom suggesting something is legitimate and not a fake.

the actual item

Simply states that something is not a copy or imitation, but the real thing.

the authentic thing

Substitutes "genuine article" with a simpler, more direct phrase emphasizing authenticity.

the real McCoy

Replaces "genuine article" with a more informal idiom conveying authenticity.

a legitimate item

Focuses on the legality and validity of the item, rather than its uniqueness.

a bona fide object

Uses a more formal term, "bona fide", to indicate the object is genuine and in good faith.

a true original

Emphasizes the unique and authentic nature of something, moving away from simple genuineness.

an unadulterated product

Highlights the purity and unmixed nature of something, suggesting it's not been tampered with.

a certified artifact

Implies that the item has been officially verified as authentic, usually by an authority.

a pure expression

Moves beyond physical objects to describe an authentic emotion or artistic creation.

FAQs

What does "a genuine article" mean?

The phrase "a genuine article" refers to something that is authentic, real, and not a copy or imitation. It's often used to describe items or people that are exactly what they appear to be.

How can I use "a genuine article" in a sentence?

You can use "a genuine article" to describe something that is authentic. For example, "The antique dealer confirmed that the painting was "a genuine article"."

What can I say instead of "a genuine article"?

You can use alternatives like "the real deal", "the real McCoy", or "the authentic thing" depending on the context.

Is "a genuine article" formal or informal?

"A genuine article" sits on the neutral to slightly formal side. For very informal settings, consider using alternatives like "the real thing".