a token of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a token of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something that is a symbol or reminder of something else, such as a sentiment or feeling. For example: "To show our appreciation, we gave him a token of our gratitude."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a token of appreciation".

The New York Times

But it is a token of seriousness.

The Guardian - Opinion

And for that they deserve a token of my gratitude.

The New Yorker

Its difficulty was a token of its transformational powers.

The New Yorker

He asked Osborne, in effect, for a token of seriousness.

The Guardian

So cake was a glue, and a token of affection.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

IT'S a token of spirits faith that older is better.

The New York Times - Food

The compensation represented a "token of apology", she added.

The Guardian

But they are also a token of transatlantic seriousness about Europe.

The Economist

A photograph is both a pseudo-presence and a token of absence.

The New Yorker

Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a token of" to signify a symbolic gesture or representation of a feeling, sentiment, or intention, particularly in situations where a grander gesture is impractical or unnecessary.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "a token of" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "symbol of", "sign of", or "gesture of" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a token of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces something symbolic or representative of an abstract concept or feeling, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples. It often connects a concrete item or action to an intangible quality like gratitude or respect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

30%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a token of" is a prepositional phrase used to represent something that serves as a symbol or expression of a feeling or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is prevalent in various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure it appropriately conveys the intended symbolic meaning and consider alternatives like "a symbol of" or "a gesture of" to avoid redundancy. Remember that the key is to signify the symbolic nature of the gesture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a symbol of

Indicates something that represents or stands for something else, similar to a token.

a symbol for

Directly states that something serves as a symbol, akin to a token's purpose.

a sign of

Suggests an indication or signal of something, akin to a token's representative function.

an expression of

Highlights the act of conveying a feeling or idea, much like a token expresses sentiment.

a gesture of

Emphasizes an action intended to convey a particular meaning or intention.

a representation of

Focuses on the act of symbolizing or depicting something, similar to how a token represents.

a mark of

Indicates a distinguishing feature or characteristic, similar to a token's symbolic value.

a reminder of

Highlights the act of causing someone to remember something, similar to a token's mnemonic function.

an indication of

Highlights something that points to or suggests something else, aligning with a token's indicative role.

a demonstration of

Emphasizes the act of showing or proving something, much like a token can demonstrate appreciation.

FAQs

What does "a token of" mean?

The phrase "a token of" signifies something that serves as a symbol or expression of a particular feeling, intention, or quality. It's often used to represent appreciation, gratitude, or remembrance.

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

You can use it to introduce something that symbolizes a feeling or intention, like: "The flowers were "a token of appreciation"", or "The medal was "a token of recognition"".

What are some alternatives to "a token of"?

Alternatives include "a symbol of", "a sign of", "a gesture of", or "an expression of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a token of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a token of" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a standard phrase widely used in various contexts, from news articles and scientific papers to business communications and literature.