as a legacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a legacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is handed down or passed on from one generation to another, often in the context of values, traditions, or material possessions. Example: "The foundation he built will serve as a legacy for future generations, inspiring them to continue his work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Being turned down as a legacy is particularly painful.

The New York Times

Something subtler came to him as a legacy, though.

The New Yorker

As a legacy of the place where they were raised?

The New York Times

Beautiful memories will linger as a legacy to your life.

The New York Times

He said Matisse "left me his odalisques as a legacy".

The New York Times - Arts

On CNN, Gloria Borger described it as "a legacy moment".

The New Yorker

Littlewood, I suspect, would have loved that as a legacy.

The Guardian

His administration has made clear that it views nuclear nonproliferation as a "legacy" issue.

The New York Times

As a legacy of the renowned community organizer Saul Alinsky, the foundation largely mobilizes religious congregations.

The New York Times

Cypress, they said, enabled the facilities to remain as a legacy from the Games.

The New York Times - Sports

We hope that wonderful memories will last as a legacy to his life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a legacy", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being passed down or remembered. Provide specific examples to strengthen the statement.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everything from the past is positive or should be preserved. Clearly define the specific aspects or actions that constitute the positive "legacy" you are referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a legacy" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, indicating that something serves as a lasting result or contribution from the past. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts, from political impacts to personal memories.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

16%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a legacy" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize the enduring impact or significance of something. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and commonly found across various sources, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in tone, it can lean toward formal depending on the specific context. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to provide specific examples of what is being passed down or remembered. Common alternatives include "as an inheritance" and "as a lasting impact".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an inheritance

Focuses specifically on the concept of receiving something, like property or traits, from a predecessor.

as a lasting impact

Emphasizes the effect or influence that something has over time.

as a result of

Highlights the causal relationship between a prior action or event and its consequences.

as a consequence of

Similar to "as a result of", but can carry a more negative connotation depending on the context.

in memory of

Focuses on honoring someone or something that has passed, preserving their essence.

as a tribute to

Highlights actions done to demonstrate respect and admiration for someone or something.

as a vestige of

Indicates something that remains as a trace of what once existed.

in honor of

Focuses on recognition and commemoration of a person, event, or idea.

as a symbol of

Highlights the use of something to represent an idea, quality, or condition.

as a continuation of

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of something, carrying on from the past.

FAQs

How can I use "as a legacy" in a sentence?

You can use "as a legacy" to describe something that is passed down, remains, or is remembered from the past. For example, "The treaty was left as a legacy of the previous administration" or "The park remains as a legacy of the city's commitment to green spaces".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "as a legacy"?

Alternatives include "as an inheritance", "as a lasting impact", or "as a result of", depending on the intended meaning.

Is it correct to say "leave something as a legacy"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "leave something as a legacy" is often used to describe the act of intentionally creating something that will be remembered or have a lasting impact.

What's the difference between "as a legacy" and "as a tradition"?

"As a legacy" implies something passed down with significant impact or importance, while "as a tradition" refers to customs or beliefs transmitted from generation to generation. A tradition may or may not have a broad or significant impact, whereas a legacy often implies lasting influence.