an arm of

USAGE SUMMARY

"an arm of" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a part of something that is connected to a larger whole. For example: "The World Bank is an arm of the United Nations, providing loans and resources to developing countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"He is an arm of the state.

The New Yorker

You have become an arm of government.

The Guardian

The acquisition of WaveBend, an arm of B.D.O.

The New York Times

In Boston, Dunkies is essentially an arm of the government.

The New Yorker

To her, Jersey City feels like "an arm of Brooklyn".

The New York Times

Shanghai Alliance Investment is an arm of the Shanghai government.

Independent

It was not an arm of German espionage.

The New York Times

Or, at least, an arm of the Canadian government.

The New York Times

The lake was formerly an arm of the Adriatic Sea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"There are people in AIPAC who believe that it should be an arm of the Likud, an arm of the Republican Party," he said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Twitter is an arm of the CIA.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an arm of", ensure the context clearly establishes the larger entity the 'arm' is connected to. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "an arm of" when describing loosely related entities. This phrase implies a direct and integral connection, so ensure the relationship is strong and well-defined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an arm of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as a predicate nominative or adjectival phrase. It identifies a part or division that is integral to a larger organization or entity. Ludwig examples show its use to describe divisions of companies, governmental bodies, or movements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an arm of" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a part or division that is integral to a larger organization or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and applicable in various writing contexts. While adaptable to several sources and categories, it appears most frequently in news and media, as well as formal business writing. It is important to remember to use the phrase when a strong, well-defined relationship exists between the entities and that it accurately depicts the scope of the relationship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a branch of

Replaces "arm" with "branch", suggesting a similar but slightly more organic extension from a main body.

a division of

Indicates a structured, organizational part of a larger group or entity.

a part of

A more general term indicating that something is included or forms a portion of a larger entity.

an extension of

Suggests a broadening or continuation of something else.

a subsidiary of

Refers to a company that is controlled by another company.

an affiliate of

Denotes a formal association or connection with an organization.

a component of

Highlights something that is a constituent element of a larger system.

a segment of

Emphasizes a distinct portion or section within a whole.

a facet of

Refers to one aspect or side of something, often abstract.

a unit of

Implies being a constituent part of a greater whole, especially in organizational contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "an arm of" in a sentence?

Use "an arm of" to describe a division, branch, or subsidiary that is part of a larger organization or system. For example, "The marketing department is "an arm of" the corporation responsible for brand promotion."

What's a good substitute for "an arm of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a branch of", "a division of", or "a subsidiary of" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "an arm of" or should I use a different phrase?

The phrase "an arm of" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. However, ensure it accurately reflects the relationship between the entities you're describing.

What is the difference between "an arm of" and "affiliated with"?

"An arm of" suggests a more direct, integral part of a larger entity, while "affiliated with" implies a looser connection or association. An arm is more directly controlled by the main body.