are iconic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are iconic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is widely recognized and well-established as a symbol or representation of a particular idea, culture, or trend. Example: "The pyramids of Egypt are iconic landmarks that attract millions of tourists each year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are iconic architects and there is the architect who is the icon of iconic architecture.

The Guardian - Arts

"Characters that are iconic are forever interesting".

The New York Times

"His action films are iconic.

The Guardian - Film

They are iconic, completely representational.

The New York Times - Arts

Not everyone's happy: these signs are iconic.

The Guardian

The two firms are iconic businesses in their respective countries.

The Economist

The Adelphi and the Welly Club are iconic.

The Guardian - Travel

In the modern pantheon, these are iconic beers.

The Guardian - Travel

They are iconic animals and were on Roman coins as a symbol of healing.

Independent

"The January sales are iconic in the UK and there's a cultural significance to them.

Independent

There are iconic moments of panache and devotion, and of cowardice.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer the phrase to describe long-standing and well-established examples of something representative. For novel concepts, it could sound hyperbolic.

Common error

Avoid using "are iconic" to describe something that is merely popular or trendy. This dilutes the meaning and lessens the impact when describing truly significant symbols.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are iconic" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's used to attribute the quality of being widely recognized and representative to a subject. Examples show it describing buildings, figures, and moments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are iconic" is a powerful descriptor, indicating that something is not only well-known but also deeply representative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adjective phrase, adding a layer of significance to the subject it modifies. With its frequent presence in News & Media, and in scientific contexts, the phrase conveys a sense of widespread recognition and symbolic importance. While its usage is generally neutral, it's crucial to reserve this descriptor for subjects that genuinely embody enduring and representative qualities to prevent dilution of its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are representative

Focuses on the quality of representing a larger group or concept, rather than fame.

are emblematic

Similar to symbolic, but emphasizes the role as a symbol or emblem.

are symbolic

Highlights the symbolic nature of something, omitting the fame aspect.

are legendary

Highlights the fame and importance, often with a hint of mythology.

are classic

Emphasizes enduring quality and recognition, rather than symbolic representation.

are quintessential

Focuses on representing the perfect example of something.

are archetypal

Stresses the original pattern or model that something represents.

are well-known

Emphasizes recognition without necessarily implying representativeness.

are celebrated

Highlights the admired and praised aspect, differing from symbolic meaning.

are distinguished

Focuses on the distinctiveness and recognition, rather than broad representativeness.

FAQs

How can I use "are iconic" in a sentence?

Use "are iconic" to describe something widely recognized as representative of a particular idea, culture, or trend. For example, "The Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty "are iconic" landmarks".

What phrases can I use instead of "are iconic"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "are representative", "are symbolic", or "are emblematic".

Is it appropriate to describe a new trend as "are iconic"?

It's generally best to reserve "are iconic" for things that have stood the test of time and have become widely recognized symbols. For newer trends, consider using terms like "are trending" or "are popular" instead.

What makes something truly "are iconic"?

Something is truly "are iconic" when it serves as a widely recognized and enduring symbol or representation of a particular concept, culture, or time period. It goes beyond mere popularity and embodies a deeper significance.