a mark of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a mark of" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate a characteristic or indication of something or someone. For example: 1. "Her kindness towards others is a mark of her true character." 2. "The old, worn-out building is a mark of the town's history." 3. "His success in the business world is a mark of his hard work and determination." 4. "The red mark on her cheek was a sign of the allergy she was experiencing." 5. "The broken window was a mark of the burglary that had taken place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a mark of Chicago.

The New York Times

Sleeping in became a mark of prestige.

The New York Times - Books

It's a mark of respect, really.

Independent

customer ratings with a mark of 74 per cent.

Independent

Don't consider it a mark of shame.

Harvard Business Review

Is desire a mark of imperfection?

The Guardian - Opinion

But only as a mark of appreciation.

The Guardian

"Killing is a mark of honor".

The New York Times

"It is a mark of civil society".

The New Yorker

Strasburg posted a mark of 49percentt.

The New York Times - Sports

An A was once a mark of distinction.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mark of" to highlight a specific quality or characteristic that distinguishes something or someone. For example, "Dedication is a mark of a successful entrepreneur."

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "a mark of" in excessively formal or academic writing. Vary your vocabulary by incorporating synonyms like "indication", "evidence", or "characteristic" for enhanced precision and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mark of" functions primarily as a noun phrase complement, often indicating a quality, attribute, or characteristic associated with something. Ludwig examples show it connecting a subject to an attribute, as in "It's a mark of respect, really".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mark of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a characteristic, attribute, or indication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, especially in news, academic writing, and encyclopedias. The phrase functions as a noun phrase complement, serving to attribute specific qualities and provide insight. While generally neutral to formal, it's advisable to avoid overuse in very formal writing. Alternatives include phrases such as ""a sign of"" or ""an indication of"" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Understanding its function and context helps ensure effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indication of

Focuses on pointing something out or suggesting a particular fact.

a sign of

Emphasizes that something serves as evidence or a signal.

a hallmark of

Indicates a distinguishing trait or feature, often one of excellence or distinction.

a symbol of

Highlights the representative nature of something, suggesting a deeper meaning.

a characteristic of

Directly refers to a distinguishing trait or feature.

an attribute of

Similar to characteristic, but can imply an inherent quality.

a feature of

Highlights a noticeable part or aspect of something.

a measure of

Emphasizes evaluation or quantification of something.

a consequence of

Focuses on what naturally follows or results from something.

a result of

Similar to consequence, but can emphasize a more direct outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "a mark of" to indicate a characteristic or distinguishing feature. For example, "His dedication to the project was "a mark of" his commitment".

What are some alternatives to "a mark of"?

Alternatives include "a sign of", "an indication of", or "a symbol of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a mark of" or "a sign of"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""a mark of"" often implies a more inherent or defining characteristic, while ""a sign of"" suggests something that serves as evidence.

What is the difference between "a mark of" and "characteristic of"?

"A mark of" often implies that something is a notable or defining feature, whereas "characteristic of" simply indicates a typical quality or trait.