a member of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a member of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's affiliation with a particular organization or group. Example: "He is a member of the local book club."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A member of the P.L.O.

The New York Times

Lowe, a member of N.C.

The New York Times - Sports

A member of the audience took notes.

The New Yorker

Imagine you're a member of Congress.

The New York Times

She was a member of Phi Mu.

The New York Times

"She's a member of this community.

The New Yorker

She was also a member of PhiBetaKappa.

The New York Times

Finland is not a member of Nato.

Independent

I'm not a member of Augusta.

The New York Times

"He's a member of our family".

The New York Times

He was a member of Raritan Associates.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a member of", ensure that the organization or group you're referring to is clearly defined and easily understood by your audience. For instance, instead of saying "He's a member", specify "He's a member of the board of directors".

Common error

Avoid using "a member of" when referring to elements within a single entity. For example, instead of saying "He's a member of the family car", it's better to state "He uses the family car".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a member of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating affiliation, belonging, or connection to a specific group, organization, or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples in Ludwig show its diverse usage across contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a member of" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that denotes affiliation or belonging to a group or organization. As Ludwig AI states, its usage is grammatically sound and correct. Found across diverse sources, from news outlets like The New York Times to encyclopedias and scientific publications, this phrase serves to specify relationships and roles within various contexts. When writing, ensure clarity in defining the referenced group and avoid misapplication with singular entities. Exploring alternatives like "part of" or "affiliated with" can add nuance to your writing depending on the intended level of formality or specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

part of

This alternative is less formal and implies inclusion without necessarily indicating formal membership.

affiliated with

This alternative suggests a connection or association, but it doesn't always imply full membership.

belonging to

This alternative highlights the concept of ownership or connection to a group or entity.

associated with

This alternative suggests a connection or link, but it's a broader term than 'member' and can apply to less formal relationships.

a participant in

This alternative focuses on involvement in activities or events rather than formal membership.

a component of

This alternative suggests that the person or thing is one part or section of a greater thing.

a representative of

This alternative focuses on the role of acting on behalf of a group or organization, which is different than being simply a member.

a follower of

This alternative suggests adherence to a belief or ideology, rather than formal group membership.

included in

This alternative focuses on the state of being included within a larger set or category, not necessarily a formal group.

on the team

This alternative is appropriate when referring to a group working together towards a shared goal, less formal then being a member.

FAQs

How do I properly use "a member of" in a sentence?

Use "a member of" to indicate someone's affiliation or belonging to a specific group, organization, or team. For example, "She is a member of the debate club" or "He is a member of the research team".

What's the difference between "part of" and "a member of"?

"A member of" implies a formal association or affiliation with a group, organization, or team. While "part of" suggests a more general inclusion or involvement, not necessarily requiring formal membership. A member of a group is always part of the group, but something that is part of something else is not automatically "a member of" it.

Which is correct: "a member of the team" or "part of the team"?

Both phrases are correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "A member of the team" implies a formal or official affiliation. "Part of the team" can be more inclusive and might include people who contribute without being official members.

What can I say instead of "a member of" to indicate affiliation?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "affiliated with", "belonging to", or "associated with" to express a similar meaning.