an expression of

USAGE SUMMARY

"an expression of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sentiment, opinion, or emotion: "The painting was an expression of sadness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's an expression of the individual.

The New York Times

"It was truly an expression of me.

The New York Times

Rather it was an expression of relief.

The Economist

"Anger is an expression of fear".

The New Yorker

Art was an expression of his thoughts.

The Economist

Squeeeeeee!" — an expression of hysterical enthusiasm.

The New Yorker

Play is an expression of connectivity.

The New York Times

He wore an expression of determined grief.

The New Yorker

He made an expression of intense disgust.

The New Yorker

It's an expression of them".

The New York Times

It's an expression of kinship.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an expression of" to clearly indicate that something is a representation, indication, or manifestation of a feeling, thought, or idea. Ensure the context supports the idea of representation.

Common error

Avoid using "an expression of" for things that are not abstract or emotional. For instance, it's better to say "a component of the machine" rather than "an expression of the machine", unless you are using it metaphorically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an expression of" functions as a noun phrase functioning adjectivally. It modifies a noun by specifying its nature or origin as a representation of something, reflecting a feeling, thought, or idea. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its use is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an expression of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something serves as a representation or manifestation of a particular feeling, thought, or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and appropriate across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. While highly prevalent in news and media, it is essential to ensure its use aligns with the context, accurately portraying the intended meaning of representation. Remember to avoid using it with concrete objects unless used metaphorically. Utilizing this guide ensures clear and effective communication, emphasizing the nuanced connection between outward manifestations and their underlying sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a manifestation of

Replaces "expression" with "manifestation", emphasizing the act of something becoming apparent or obvious.

a demonstration of

Substitutes "expression" with "demonstration", highlighting the act of showing or proving something.

an indication of

Replaces "expression" with "indication", focusing on something that suggests or points to something else.

a reflection of

Substitutes "expression" with "reflection", emphasizing how something mirrors or represents something else.

an embodiment of

Replaces "expression" with "embodiment", suggesting a physical or concrete representation.

a symbol of

Substitutes "expression" with "symbol", highlighting the use of something to represent an idea or quality.

a display of

Replaces "expression" with "display", focusing on something shown or exhibited.

an articulation of

Substitutes "expression" with "articulation", emphasizing the clear and distinct presentation of something.

an illustration of

Replaces "expression" with "illustration", emphasizing how something exemplifies or clarifies a point.

a presentation of

Replaces "expression" with "presentation", emphasizing the act of formally showing or offering something.

FAQs

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

"An expression of" is used to show that something is a representation or manifestation of a feeling, thought, or idea. For example, "His painting was "an expression of" his inner turmoil".

What are some alternatives to "an expression of"?

Alternatives include "a manifestation of", "a demonstration of", or "an indication of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an expression for" instead of "an expression of"?

No, the correct phrase is "an expression of". "Of" indicates that something is coming from or representing something else, while "for" implies purpose or direction, which doesn't fit the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "an expression of" and "a form of"?

"An expression of" implies representation or manifestation of something intangible, like a feeling or idea. "A form of" indicates that something is a type or variety of something else. For example, "Art is "an expression of" emotion", whereas "Jazz is "a form of" music".