a hotbed of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hotbed of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a place, situation, or activity where something, especially something bad or undesirable, is happening or being developed quickly and in great quantity. For example, "The inner city has become a hotbed of crime and drug trafficking recently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A hotbed of feminism it is not.

The New York Times

Germany was a hotbed of protest.

The New York Times - Tech

"It's a hotbed of tax evasion.

The New York Times

Chappaqua is a hotbed of social rest".

The New York Times

"Minnesota is a hotbed of rest".

The New York Times

But it was hardly a hotbed of consumer activity.

The New York Times

"Traditionally, Oaxaca has not been a hotbed of baseball activity.

The New York Times - Sports

Moreover, the IPL is a hotbed of innovation.

The Economist

"New York has become a hotbed of innovation," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

(Merrill in the seventies was a hotbed of technical research).

The New Yorker

Leeds itself was a hotbed of speculative building.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hotbed of" to vividly describe locations or situations where something proliferates, whether it's innovation, controversy, or activity. For instance, "Silicon Valley is a hotbed of technological innovation" paints a clearer picture than simply saying it's innovative.

Common error

Avoid using "a hotbed of" in contexts that don't involve intensity or proliferation. Saying a quiet library is "a hotbed of reading" is inaccurate; the phrase implies a rapid increase or intense concentration, which doesn't fit a typical library setting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hotbed of" functions as a noun phrase complement, typically following a linking verb (e.g., "is", "became"). It describes a place or situation characterized by a high concentration or rapid development of something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a hotbed of" is a versatile phrase used to describe locations or situations where something is intensely concentrated or rapidly developing. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. While primarily neutral in tone, it often describes noteworthy or potentially problematic scenarios. When using this phrase, be mindful of its implication of intensity and avoid overuse in contexts where it doesn't accurately reflect the situation. Consider alternatives like "a breeding ground for" or "a center for" to fine-tune the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a breeding ground for

Focuses more on the origin and development of something, often undesirable.

a center for

Suggests a place that is central to and actively involved in a particular activity.

a hub of

Emphasizes a central point of activity and connection.

a cradle of

Implies a place of origin and early development.

a focus of

Highlights a point of concentration for a particular activity or interest.

a hive of

Suggests a place buzzing with activity, often in a chaotic way.

a source of

Indicates a place from which something originates or is obtained.

a seedbed of

Similar to breeding ground, but often implies a more intentional cultivation.

a den of

Often used to describe a place associated with illicit or secretive activities.

a wellspring of

Implies an abundant and continuous source of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a hotbed of" to describe a place or situation characterized by intense activity or development, often of something negative. For example, "The city became a hotbed of political unrest".

What are some alternatives to "a hotbed of"?

Alternatives include "a breeding ground for", "a center for", or "a hub of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a hotbed of" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in journalistic or analytical contexts. However, be mindful of its somewhat negative connotation; it's best used when describing a place or situation with intense, often problematic activity.

What's the difference between "a hotbed of" and "a source of"?

"A hotbed of" implies a place where something is actively and intensely developing or occurring, whereas "a source of" simply indicates where something originates. A city might be "a hotbed of innovation" if many new ideas are rapidly emerging there, but it's "a source of water" if it has a major river.