a vestige of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vestige of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a small remaining quantity or trace of something that once existed. Example: "The old building stands as a vestige of the town's rich history, reminding us of its past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There's not a vestige of him left.

The Guardian

Maybe there's still a vestige of that.

The Guardian - Film

It preserved a vestige of independence.

The Guardian

Its brilliant steel forgings are a vestige of ancient swordmaking.

The Economist

This was not a vestige of Soviet surveillance.

The New York Times - Magazine

Barely a vestige of trust or goodwill survives.

The Economist

A vestige of the name remains in Fort Charles Place.

The New York Times

"Antivirus is a vestige of the past," Mr. Rachwald said.

The New York Times

"This is a vestige of the old politics".

The New York Times

Is it a vestige of our frontier spirit?

The New York Times - Arts

In the beginning there was still a vestige of sky.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vestige of" to subtly indicate the remaining presence of something that is largely gone or diminished. It adds a touch of nuance and historical depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a vestige of" in very informal or casual writing. Simpler alternatives like "a trace of" or "a bit of" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vestige of" primarily functions as a noun phrase modifier. It often appears after a noun to indicate that the noun is a remaining part or trace of something that existed in the past. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a vestige of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates a remaining trace or sign of something from the past. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is acceptable for use in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While numerous alternative phrases exist, such as "a remnant of" or "a trace of", "a vestige of" specifically emphasizes the historical connection and diminished presence of what remains. Therefore, consider the context and desired level of formality when choosing whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a remnant of

Focuses on something remaining after the main part is gone; slightly stronger than "vestige".

a trace of

Indicates a slight amount or sign remaining; emphasizes subtlety.

a relic of

Highlights the historical or aged quality of the remaining element.

a shadow of

Suggests a weaker, less substantial version of something that existed before.

a hint of

Emphasizes a subtle and indirect indication.

a sign of

Indicates that something exists or is happening.

a mark of

Implies a lasting effect or impression.

a reminder of

Stresses the role of the remaining piece in bringing something to mind.

an echo of

Suggests a faint or distant similarity to something past.

a holdover from

Points to something that has survived from a previous time or system.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vestige of" to describe a small remaining part or indication of something that has disappeared or altered. For example, "The old building is "a vestige of" a bygone era".

What can I say instead of "a vestige of"?

You can use alternatives like "a remnant of", "a trace of", or "a relic of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a vestige of" or "even a vestige of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "even "a vestige of"" emphasizes the smallness or insignificance of what remains.

What's the difference between "a vestige of" and "a sign of"?

"A vestige of" implies something that is left over from the past, while "a sign of" indicates evidence or an indication of something present.