a mark of confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mark of confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that signifies or demonstrates assurance or trust in a person, idea, or action. Example: "Her decision to invest in the startup was seen as a mark of confidence in its potential for success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Is it a mark of confidence or craziness?

The New York Times - Magazine

She is unabashed about her desire for domesticity, insisting her ability to talk about it now is a sign of how far women have come, a mark of confidence "that my cooking will not overshadow my other work".

The Guardian

It is not exactly a mark of confidence that the nation expects the team to go far in the World Cup, but for the moment every piece of news that isn't an injury is to be welcomed.

The Guardian - Sport

When the refinancing was announced last year, Whitehaven Coal's chief executive, Paul Flynn, was quoted in Fairfax Media trumpeting the support from the banks as a mark of confidence in the coal industry.

The Guardian

Or was it, as Shell contends, a mark of confidence that the company had finally put in place a plan that could satisfy all the legal, regulatory and environmental requirements to start exploiting one of the last great untapped oil and gas reservoirs in North America?

The New York Times

"It's a mark of confidence as to how well she's been going that it's something we thought she could do and that it would create a bit of excitement, letting the crowd get behind her.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

To some, such an outrageously irreverent statement will be seen as a mark of extreme confidence.

Independent

The directors were also advised that they should tender their own Unocal stock into the exchange offer as a mark of their confidence in it.

Harvard University

But to do all these at once – along with big shake-ups in policing and criminal justice – is either a mark of supreme confidence or outright recklessness.

The Guardian

I had always regarded his decision to integrate it with the sleekly modern pieces as a mark of his confidence and creativity.

The New York Times - Magazine

He has been consistent in his denial and it is a mark of his confidence that he is prepared to continue with this case".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mark of confidence" when you want to emphasize that an action or decision is a clear indication of trust or positive expectation, especially in business or political contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a mark of confidence" sarcastically or in contexts where the supposed 'confidence' is actually misplaced or ironic. The phrase generally carries a positive connotation, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mark of confidence" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject complement or object complement, describing something that serves as an indicator or symbol of trust or assurance. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in signifying positive sentiment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mark of confidence" is a noun phrase signifying trust or assurance, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news, business, and wiki contexts, this phrase denotes a neutral-to-formal tone. It's often employed to positively frame actions or decisions. While grammatically correct, it's vital to ensure the phrase's connotation aligns with the intended message, avoiding sarcastic or ironic applications. Consider alternatives like "a sign of assurance" or "a gesture of trust" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sign of assurance

Replaces "mark" with "sign", emphasizing the indication aspect but retains the core meaning of conveying certainty.

a token of faith

Substitutes "confidence" with "faith", implying a belief in someone's or something's reliability.

a gesture of trust

Replaces "mark" with "gesture", highlighting the action or symbol of showing trust.

an indication of support

Focuses on the supporting aspect conveyed by the confidence.

a vote of approval

Emphasizes the positive evaluation implied by the confidence.

a display of conviction

Highlights the strong belief underlying the confidence.

an expression of belief

Focuses on the articulation of trust or faith.

a symbol of reliance

Highlights the dependence and trust placed in someone or something.

a testament to assurance

Replaces "mark" with "testament" to highlight the evidence-based nature of the confidence.

a reassurance of certainty

Emphasizes the act of reaffirming a sense of sureness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mark of confidence" to describe actions or decisions that demonstrate trust or positive expectations. For example, "The company's investment in renewable energy is "a mark of confidence" in the future of sustainable technology".

What can I say instead of "a mark of confidence"?

You can use alternatives like "a sign of assurance", "a token of faith", or "a gesture of trust" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a mark of confidence" formal or informal?

"A mark of confidence" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression suitable for professional, news, and academic contexts. It is less common in informal conversation.

What is the difference between "a sign of confidence" and "a mark of confidence"?

While the two are largely interchangeable, "a mark of confidence" often implies a more deliberate or significant demonstration of trust, whereas "a sign of confidence" can be a more subtle or incidental indication.