an artifact of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an artifact of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the origin or source of something, often an object or phenomenon. For example, "This artifact is an artifact of ancient Egypt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But that is an artifact of history.

The New York Times

But it was an artifact of homophobia.

The New York Times

That's probably an artifact of our sampling.

The New Yorker

The novel is an artifact of western individualism.

The Guardian - Books

This isn't just an artifact of longer life spans.

The New Yorker

Time is an artifact of the Age of Efficiency.

The New Yorker

The written record is an artifact of the experience.

The New Yorker

But the quilt is not an artifact of the West.

The New York Times

Is language first and foremost an artifact of culture?

The New York Times - Books

On one wall still hangs an artifact of some importance.

The New York Times - Sports

The difference isn't an artifact of RealClearPolitics's methodology.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an artifact of", ensure that the connection between the artifact and its source is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'The style is an artifact', specify 'The style is an artifact of the 1980s'.

Common error

Avoid using "an artifact of" when simply describing a characteristic or feature. The phrase implies a deeper connection to a specific historical, cultural, or technological context. For example, do not say 'The color is an artifact of the design' if the color is merely a design choice and not tied to a specific era or trend.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an artifact of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase. It indicates the origin, cause, or historical context of something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various sources and sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an artifact of" serves as a powerful tool for contextualizing information, attributing characteristics to their origins. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted across diverse contexts such as news reporting, scientific analysis, and formal business communication. The most common purpose of "an artifact of" is to relate something to a specific historical, cultural, or technological background. When using this phrase, ensure the connection between the artifact and its source remains clear and that its implications are correctly conveyed. Understanding common errors, such as misapplying it to simple descriptions, will further refine your writing and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a product of

Highlights the creation or production process, emphasizing the origin or source.

a result of

Similar to 'a consequence of' but places more emphasis on the direct outcome.

a consequence of

Focuses on the result or outcome of something, emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship.

attributable to

Implicates a specific cause or factor as being responsible for something.

derives from

Indicates that something originates or is obtained from a particular source.

indicative of

Suggests that something serves as a sign or indication of something else.

reflective of

Indicates that something mirrors or represents a particular quality or characteristic.

stems from

Highlights the root cause or origin of something, often an issue or problem.

born out of

Emphasizes the origin or circumstances from which something originated.

a vestige of

Suggests a remaining trace or sign of something that no longer exists in its original form.

FAQs

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

Use "an artifact of" to describe something that is a product or result of a particular time, culture, or process. For example, 'The technology is "an artifact of" the early 2000s.'

What's the difference between "an artifact of" and "a product of"?

"An artifact of" often implies a historical or cultural context, while "a product of" simply indicates something was created or resulted from something else. You might say 'The invention is "a product of" their research', but 'The rotary phone is "an artifact of" the 20th century'.

What are some alternatives to "an artifact of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a consequence of", "a result of", or ""a product of"".

Is it appropriate to use "an artifact of" in formal writing?

Yes, "an artifact of" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing history, culture, technology, or social trends. The appropriateness depends on the specific context and audience.