as a token

USAGE SUMMARY

"as a token" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something given in a gesture of appreciation, gratitude, or kindness. For example: "I bought her a bouquet of flowers as a token of my appreciation for all of her hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Remember being looked on as a token loser band?

The Guardian - Music

Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!

The New York Times

As a token of our confidence, we would like to offer you an Esso Credit Card..."....

The New Yorker

Some admit they do the exam almost as a token gesture, only because patients expect it.

The New York Times - Health

Let it stand as a token of all that I thought was precious.

The New Yorker

School Management Committees are asked to commit to a nominal monthly fee as a token contribution.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I bear a scar on my chin as a token of his rage.

Independent

Parenthesis and a quotation mark are also tokens, so it returns them as a token, too.

Cornell University

Perhaps as a token of Dr. Hatzius's genuine intelligence, which is fine.

The New York Times

Disarming is bitter medicine to the I.R.A., which sees it as a token of surrender.

The New York Times

It also blew up a reactor cooling tower as a token of its sincerity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a token" when you want to convey a sense of symbolic value or appreciation, especially when the item or action is small but meaningful.

Common error

Avoid using "as a token" in legal or contractual contexts where precise and unambiguous language is required. It can be interpreted as non-binding or lacking substantial value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a token" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the purpose or intention behind an action or object. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase suggests something given or done as a symbolic gesture, often of appreciation or remembrance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a token" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is given or done as a symbolic gesture of appreciation, gratitude, or remembrance. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English and is broadly applicable across various registers, though it leans slightly towards formality. It is most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intention of a symbolic gesture rather than a substantial exchange. Alternatives like "as a symbol of" or "in appreciation of" can be used for nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a symbol of

Emphasizes the symbolic representation of something.

as a gesture of

Highlights the action or expression of a feeling.

as a sign of

Focuses on indicating something that is present or will occur.

in appreciation of

Directly expresses gratitude for something.

in recognition of

Highlights acknowledging or showing appreciation for something.

as an expression of

Highlights conveying a feeling or idea.

as a reminder of

Focuses on causing one to remember something.

by way of

Indicates something done as a means of achieving something else.

as a memento of

Indicates something kept as a reminder of a past event.

to commemorate

Focuses on honoring or remembering an event or person.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a token" to describe something given or done as a symbolic gesture of appreciation, love, or respect. For example, "She gave him a small gift "as a token" of her gratitude."

What are some alternatives to "as a token"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as a symbol of", "as a gesture of", or "in recognition of" depending on the context.

Is "as a token" formal or informal?

"As a token" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the formal side.

What's the difference between "as a token" and "as a symbol"?

"As a token" implies a small, often physical, item given as a sign of something, whereas "as a symbol" is broader and can refer to anything that represents something else, not necessarily a physical object. Both phrases express some kind of representation.