as a mark of protest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a mark of protest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action taken to express disapproval or dissent against something. Example: "She wore black to the event as a mark of protest against the company's policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Some Brazilians are switching their support to other teams as a mark of protest.

The Guardian - Sport

President Bush should cancel his trip, or at least stay away from all key ceremonies as a mark of protest of the free world.

The New York Times

As discussions between the parties wore on, some performers closed their accounts while others changed their accounts to their "real names" and changed their profile pictures to purple squares with: "#mynameis" written across as a mark of protest.

The Guardian - Tech

And the man who pollsters say would win a general election if one were held today, Silvio Berlusconi, told people to stay away as a mark of protest against the current centre-left government, which had only just been shakily put together after its predecessor collapsed last month.

The Economist

TDP legislators also cooked food on the road using firewood as a mark of protest.

BBC

The authorities have been angered by some Tibetans deciding to boycott new year celebrations other than religious rituals as a mark of protest against Chinese rule.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

While some scholars see her refusal to work there as a mark of "feminist protest" others see it as "matter of comfort and practicality", since the reading rooms were "noisy, badly lit, and poorly ventilated".

Wikipedia

The Ranger veterans wrote General Shinseki in protest, declaring that "giving soldiers a symbol which has served as a mark of distinction for others to aspire to will merely cheapen the symbol".

The New York Times - Style

Outside of organised protests, many people held their own local gatherings, displayed posters in windows, distributed leaflets and wore badges and t-shirts as a mark of opposition.

The Guardian

But only as a mark of appreciation.

The Guardian

I haven't personally had contact with Sisters Uncut, but peaceful protest is a mark of any good democracy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a mark of protest", ensure the action taken is clearly symbolic and directly related to the issue being protested. This strengthens the message and makes it easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "as a mark of protest" for actions that are simply expressions of personal preference or unrelated to a broader issue. It should signify a deliberate act of dissent against something specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a mark of protest" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun. It indicates the reason or purpose behind an action, specifying that it is performed to express dissent or disapproval, as showcased by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a mark of protest" is a prepositional phrase used to describe an action taken to express disagreement or dissent. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English, particularly in neutral to formal contexts. While "as a mark of protest" is not overly common, it effectively conveys the intention behind a deliberate act of opposition. Alternative phrases such as "in symbolic protest" or "as a sign of dissent" can be used to express similar meanings. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, highlighting its relevance in public discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in symbolic protest

Emphasizes the symbolic nature of the protest action.

as a sign of dissent

Focuses on expressing disagreement or opposition.

to register disapproval

Highlights the act of formally noting disagreement.

by way of objection

Formal alternative, indicating the action is an objection.

in demonstration of opposition

More verbose, emphasizing the demonstration aspect.

as an expression of grievance

Focuses on expressing a complaint or resentment.

to voice dissent

Highlights the act of speaking out in disagreement.

as a means of complaint

Indicates the action serves as a method for complaining.

in defiance

More concise, focusing on the act of resisting authority.

to show disapproval

Direct and simple way of indicating disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "as a mark of protest" in a sentence?

Use "as a mark of protest" to describe an action taken to express disapproval or disagreement with something. For example: "She refused to stand during the anthem "as a mark of protest" against social injustice."

What are some alternatives to "as a mark of protest"?

Alternatives include "in symbolic protest", "as a sign of dissent", or "to register disapproval". Choose the phrase that best fits the context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "as a mark of protest" and "in protest"?

"As a mark of protest" emphasizes the symbolic nature of the action, while "in protest" is a more general term indicating that the action is done to express disapproval. "She wore black in protest" vs. "She wore black "as a mark of protest" against the war".

When is it appropriate to use "as a mark of protest"?

It is appropriate to use "as a mark of protest" when you want to highlight that a specific action is intentionally performed to demonstrate opposition or dissent. It suggests a thoughtful and deliberate expression of disagreement.