a symbol of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a symbol of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is seen as symbolic of something else. For example, "The dove is a symbol of peace and hope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A symbol of what, exactly?

The Economist

It is also a symbol of hospitality.

The Economist

It is a symbol of modernity.

The New York Times

The region became a symbol of excess.

The New York Times

"And hunting is a symbol of class.

The New Yorker

That is actually a symbol of distress".

The New Yorker

"He is a symbol of Blackpool football.

The Guardian - Sport

"That church was a symbol of that.

The New Yorker

Another wrote, "A symbol of faith".

The New York Times

It was a symbol of family.

The New Yorker

The scene is a symbol of Congo.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a symbol of", ensure the connection between the symbol and what it represents is clear to your audience. Avoid using obscure symbols that may not be universally understood.

Common error

Avoid using overused symbols (e.g., a dove for peace) without adding a fresh perspective or unique context. Generic symbols can weaken your writing's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a symbol of" functions as a noun phrase complement, introducing a noun or concept that the subject represents. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and frequent use. Examples include: "It is a symbol of modernity" and "He is a symbol of Blackpool football".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a symbol of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for indicating that something represents a particular concept, quality, or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. To enhance your writing, prioritize clarity and avoid reliance on overused symbols. Remember that the choice of symbol can significantly impact your audience's understanding and perception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an emblem of

Replaces "symbol" with "emblem", suggesting a more formal or official representation.

a representation of

Uses "representation" instead of "symbol", focusing on the act of portraying something.

an indicator of

Substitutes "symbol" with "indicator", emphasizing the function of pointing to something else.

a sign of

Replaces "symbol" with "sign", implying a more direct or obvious connection.

a token of

Uses "token" instead of "symbol", suggesting a smaller or less significant representation.

a reflection of

Substitutes "symbol" with "reflection", highlighting how something mirrors or embodies something else.

an allegory for

Replaces "symbol" with "allegory", emphasizing a deeper, often moral, meaning.

a metaphor for

Uses "metaphor" instead of "symbol", focusing on the figurative comparison.

a figure of

Substitutes "symbol" with "figure", suggesting a person or thing representing a quality or idea.

a manifestation of

Replaces "symbol" with "manifestation", focusing on the concrete expression of an abstract idea.

FAQs

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

Use "a symbol of" to connect an object, person, or idea with a broader concept it represents. For example, "The statue is "a symbol of freedom"" or "The color white is "a symbol of purity"".

What phrases are similar to "a symbol of"?

Alternatives include "an emblem of", "a representation of", or "a sign of", each offering a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is it correct to say "a symbol for" instead of "a symbol of"?

While "a symbol for" isn't grammatically incorrect, "a symbol of" is generally preferred. "A symbol for" typically indicates something used as a symbol, whereas "a symbol of" suggests something is a symbol.

How do I avoid clichés when using "a symbol of"?

To avoid clichés, choose symbols that are unexpected or specific to your context. Instead of "a heart is "a symbol of love"", consider a specific object that represents love within your story or argument.