are temples of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are temples of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe places or entities that are considered sacred or highly valued in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In many cultures, libraries are temples of knowledge, where wisdom and learning are revered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Courtrooms are temples of waiting.

The New Yorker

"These places are temples of wasted life.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, the houses are temples of bonding and craftsmanship.

The New York Times

The free museums and galleries of Britain are temples of happiness, founts of joy.

The Guardian - Arts

There are temples of sushi worship, like Sushisay and Kuruma Zushi, where top-quality fish fetch top prices.

The New York Times - Food

US supermarkets are temples of food beauty – they pile those rosy red apples so high – yet the taste, cheese as well as apples, can be very bland.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Museums are looking to redefine themselves; they can't just be temples of fine art," Ms. Horn said.

The New York Times

"We're temples of the Holy Spirit, our bodies are mediators of grace," said Sister Peggy, one of the few sisters who works out at a gym.

The New York Times

Europe's department stores have always been temples of consumption -- some, like Printemps of Paris, built under stained-glass domes that recall cathedrals.

The New York Times

Another is that local councils, like many other public institutions in Brazil, are rarely temples of civic virtue.

The Economist

On the higher terrace are major temples of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma with three smaller temples of their animal vehicles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are temples of" to elevate the significance of a place or concept, implying reverence and importance. It's effective for metaphorical descriptions where a location embodies a core value or belief.

Common error

Avoid using "are temples of" in purely literal contexts where a simple descriptive term would suffice. The phrase works best when conveying a symbolic or metaphorical meaning, not just to describe a building.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are temples of" functions as a metaphorical descriptor, attributing a sacred or highly valued quality to a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. The phrase suggests that the noun embodies or exemplifies the qualities typically associated with temples, such as reverence, importance, or dedication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

21%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Arts

6%

Lifestyle

4%

Science

14%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are temples of" is a valid and useful English expression for metaphorically describing places or concepts as sacred or highly important. It carries a neutral tone, indicating reverence and significance, and as Ludwig confirms, it is generally acceptable in writing. Although not extremely frequent, it appears across reputable news sources, encyclopedias, and other domains. When employing this phrase, consider the source quality, context, and desired impact to ensure it enhances the writing without being misused or overused.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are sanctums of

A more formal and elevated way of saying "are sacred places of", with a strong emphasis on holiness and inviolability.

are sacred spaces for

Replaces the metaphor of "temples" with the more literal "sacred spaces", emphasizing the religious or spiritual aspect.

are shrines to

Highlights the aspect of reverence and devotion, similar to temples, but potentially in a more secular context.

are centers of

Shifts the focus to the idea of centrality and importance, rather than sacredness.

are dedicated to

Highlights the purpose or intention behind a place, suggesting it's set aside for a specific use or cause.

are havens for

Emphasizes the protective and safe aspect of a temple, suggesting a place of refuge.

are places of worship for

Directly states the religious function, removing the metaphorical aspect.

are monuments to

Focuses on the memorial or commemorative aspect, suggesting a lasting tribute to something.

are the epicenter of

Suggests a place where activity or importance originates and spreads from.

are the heart of

Conveys the idea of being the central and most vital part of something.

FAQs

How can I use "are temples of" in a sentence?

Use "are temples of" to describe places or entities that embody core values or are held in high regard. For example, "Libraries "are temples of knowledge", preserving and sharing wisdom".

What are some alternatives to "are temples of"?

Consider alternatives like "are sacred spaces for", "are centers of", or "are shrines to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "are temples of" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate in formal writing when used metaphorically to elevate the subject being described and convey a sense of importance or reverence.

What does it mean when something "are temples of" a certain ideal or concept?

It means those places or entities embody and uphold that ideal or concept, acting as a central point for its expression or preservation. For example, museums "are temples of art".