a vessel for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vessel for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that serves as a container or medium for something else, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Art can be a vessel for expressing deep emotions and complex ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A vessel for pure expression without judgment.

The Guardian - Music

It is a vessel for our grief.

The New York Times - Arts

A vessel for what he knows.

The New York Times - Books

Jason is simply a vessel for Medea's fierce longings.

The New Yorker

"Photography acts as a vessel for me," Voelker says.

The New York Times

Frank's not a vessel for my own predigested beliefs.

The New Yorker

It's a vessel for prejudices, a stand-in for grievances.

The New York Times

"Maria is a person who is a vessel for music.

The New York Times - Arts

His Message Cup, a prototype, is a vessel for holding words, not water.

The New York Times

The N.I.E. is also intended to be a vessel for intellectual independence within the intelligence community.

The New Yorker

Where Xan is merely a vessel for an argument, Clint is a full-blown, turbocharged grotesque.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vessel for" when you want to convey that something is serving as a container or medium, often for abstract concepts like emotions, ideas, or experiences. Be mindful of the metaphorical implications.

Common error

Avoid using "a vessel for" excessively, especially in contexts where a more direct or literal term would be clearer and more effective. Overuse can make your writing sound pretentious or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vessel for" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun and indicating purpose or function. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use. Examples show it describing something serving as a container or medium, often in a metaphorical way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a vessel for" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating that something serves as a container or medium. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in news, media, and formal contexts. It's crucial to consider the metaphorical implications and avoid overuse for clarity. Alternatives include "a conduit for" or "a medium for", depending on the intended nuance. The phrase carries a neutral to slightly formal tone, suitable for professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conduit for

Emphasizes the idea of something channeling or transmitting something else.

a vehicle for

Suggests something that carries or transports an idea, emotion, or purpose.

a medium for

Highlights the role of something as an environment or means for expression or action.

an instrument for

Implies a tool or means used to achieve a particular purpose or goal.

a channel for

Similar to conduit, but emphasizes a more directed or controlled path.

a receptacle for

Focuses on the capacity to receive and hold something, often tangible.

a container for

A more literal and less metaphorical alternative, suggesting physical containment.

a means of

A general way of expressing how something is achieved or done.

a pathway to

Emphasizes direction and progress towards a specific outcome.

a gateway to

Suggests an entry point or access to something larger or more significant.

FAQs

How can I use "a vessel for" in a sentence?

Use "a vessel for" to describe something that contains or conveys something else, often in a metaphorical sense. For example, "Art can be "a vessel for" expressing deep emotions".

What are some alternatives to "a vessel for"?

You can use alternatives like "a conduit for", "a medium for", or "a vehicle for" depending on the context.

Is "a vessel for" formal or informal?

"A vessel for" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing, although it leans slightly toward the formal side due to its metaphorical nature.

When is it appropriate to use "a vessel for" instead of a more literal term?

Use "a vessel for" when you want to add a layer of symbolic meaning or emphasize the role of something as a carrier or container of abstract concepts. Avoid using it when a more direct description would be clearer.