as a token of surrender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a token of surrender" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a gesture or symbol that represents giving up or yielding in a situation. Example: "He laid down his arms as a token of surrender, hoping for peace negotiations to begin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

De Winter was immediately taken to see Duncan, the Dutch officer holding out his sword as a token of surrender.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Captain James Dacres, who was all of 28 years old, offered his sword in a token of surrender.

The Economist

Glasgow's crew hoisted a British flag as a token of their surrender and they were all rescued by British sailors in launches.

Wikipedia

Tradition identifies this as a snowball supplied at midsummer and a white calf surrendered but then killed and shared by landlord and tenant as a token of mutual esteem.

Wikipedia

This week as a token of our bond we have badges with the symbol of the Statue of Liberty emblazoned on them … while inside the ropes we compete against each other, outside them we stand alongside each other". No cheese-eating surrender monkey stuff here.

The Guardian - Sport

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

The New Yorker

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

Independent

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

The New York Times

Harrell Fletcher gave a photograph to Lisa Sigal and Byron Kim as a token of thanks for hospitality.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a token of surrender", ensure the context clearly indicates a yielding of power, position, or control. It is best suited for formal or serious contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "as a token of surrender" when the action is merely a compromise or temporary agreement, rather than a complete yielding. The phrase implies a significant concession.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a token of surrender" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the purpose or reason behind an action. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a token of surrender" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate an action or object that symbolizes the act of yielding or giving up. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and suitable for written English. Its usage is relatively rare and primarily found in news reports and historical contexts, suggesting a formal register. While there are many alternative phrases, such as "as a symbol of capitulation" or "as a gesture of submission", the choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. It's important to use the phrase accurately, ensuring it reflects a genuine and significant concession.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a symbol of capitulation

Replaces "token" with "symbol", emphasizing the representative nature of the act, and "surrender" with "capitulation", increasing formality.

as a gesture of submission

Substitutes "token" with "gesture", highlighting the action, and "surrender" with "submission", indicating a more complete yielding.

as a sign of defeat

Replaces the entire phrase with a direct indication of loss.

to signify capitulation

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize the action of capitulating.

in acknowledgment of defeat

Focuses on the recognition of loss rather than the act of surrendering.

to demonstrate compliance

Emphasizes adherence to imposed terms or authority.

as an act of concession

Highlights the yielding of a point or demand.

under terms of surrender

Specifies that actions are dictated by conditions of yielding.

laying down arms

Refers specifically to the act of relinquishing weapons as a sign of surrender.

offering the white flag

Implies the use of a recognized symbol for signaling truce or capitulation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as a token of surrender" is used to describe an action or object that symbolizes the act of giving up or yielding. Example: "He offered his sword "as a token of surrender" to the opposing general".

What are some alternatives to "as a token of surrender"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as a symbol of capitulation", "as a gesture of submission", or "as a sign of defeat", each conveying a similar meaning of yielding or conceding.

Is it appropriate to use "as a token of surrender" in informal contexts?

While grammatically correct, "as a token of surrender" is generally more suitable for formal or serious contexts. In informal situations, simpler expressions might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "as a token of surrender" and "as a sign of compromise"?

"As a token of surrender" implies a complete yielding, while "as a sign of compromise" suggests a mutual agreement where both parties concede some points. They represent different outcomes and intentions.