a paragon of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a paragon of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone or something that is a perfect example of a particular quality, trait, or characteristic. For example, you could say, "My father is a paragon of kindness and generosity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A paragon of loyalty and strength.

The New York Times

You might think Arthur would be a paragon of deportment.

The New York Times - Books

But gold has not been a paragon of stable value.

The New York Times

Apple has not been a paragon of corporate governance.

The New York Times

He is hailed as a paragon of timeless male beauty.

The New York Times

"She's not a paragon of journalism," he added.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Allawi may not be a paragon of democratic virtue.

The Economist

And the opposition is hardly a paragon of virtue.

The Economist

By this logic, Obama was a paragon of Christian piety.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It was once a paragon of nonpartisan, professional public administration.

HuffPost

"I am a paragon of stability," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a paragon of" to emphasize that something or someone is not just good, but the absolute best example of a particular quality. This adds a layer of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a paragon of" in everyday situations where simpler language would suffice. Reserve it for instances where you truly want to highlight exceptional merit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a paragon of" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically a noun phrase, that serves to characterize a person, object, or concept as an ideal or quintessential example of something. Ludwig examples show how it is used to describe someone as "a paragon of timeless male beauty" or something as "a paragon of interdisciplinary education". Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a paragon of" is a powerful descriptive phrase used to denote something or someone as an exemplary instance of a particular quality. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It frequently appears in news, media, and academic sources, emphasizing excellence and serving to praise a subject's high degree of a specific trait. Although it may be employed in formal writing, its strength should be carefully considered to avoid overusing it in simpler situations. Alternatives such as "an epitome of" or "a prime example of" exist and should be taken into account when writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an epitome of

Similar meaning, focusing on the highest example of something.

a prime example of

Highlights something as a leading instance.

a perfect model of

Emphasizes exact replication of desired traits.

the embodiment of

Suggests the characteristic is physically manifested.

an ideal representation of

Focuses on how well something symbolizes an idea.

a shining example of

Conveys excellence and visibility in its exemplification.

a classic case of

Implies the situation is typical and well-recognized.

a textbook illustration of

Suggests it's a clear and instructional example.

a true symbol of

Highlights something iconic representing specific attributes.

the gold standard for

Indicates the highest benchmark for quality or performance.

FAQs

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

Use "a paragon of" to describe someone or something that is the perfect example of a particular quality. For instance, "She is "a paragon of virtue"."

What are some alternatives to using "a paragon of"?

You can use alternatives like "an epitome of", "a prime example of", or "a perfect model of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "paragon of" or "example of"?

"Paragon of" carries a stronger connotation of excellence and perfection compared to the more neutral "example of". Use "a paragon of" when you wish to emphasize exceptional quality.

Can "a paragon of" be used ironically?

Yes, "a paragon of" can be used ironically, but be mindful of your tone and context. It can create a humorous or sarcastic effect if used to describe something that clearly lacks the described quality.