as an acolyte of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an acolyte of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is a devoted follower or supporter of a particular person, idea, or movement. Example: "As an acolyte of the renowned philosopher, she dedicated her life to studying his teachings and spreading his ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Dylan started out as an acolyte of Woody Guthrie.

The New Yorker

The left detests her as an acolyte of Nicolas Sarkozy, France's maverick right-wing President.

The Guardian

Mr. Lavin began his career as an acolyte of General Pinochet.

The New York Times

Mr. Ibrahim, 74, has long been known as an acolyte of Duke Ellington, but here he gave in to that influence sparingly.

The New York Times - Arts

He came by his Spanish flair as an acolyte of the celebrity chef Douglas Rodriguez, purveyor of "Nuevo Latino" cuisine at the three-star Patria in Manhattan.

The New York Times

Western intelligence officials describe the operational head of the group, an Indonesian known as Hambali, or Riduan Isamuddin, 36, as an acolyte of Mr. Bashir.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Afterward, on the campaign trail, the Republican Senator attacked Obama for not being as staunch an acolyte of Petraeus as McCain has been.

The New Yorker

Bell became a protégé of Ebersol's, much as Ebersol was an acolyte of Roone Arledge, the legendary former ABC sports and news executive.

The New York Times - Sports

Bertolucci had been a regular reader of the Cahiers almost since he was a child — he was introduced to the magazine by his father, who wrote movie reviews as well as poetry — and he was an acolyte of Godard, whose stylistic fingerprints are all over the movie.

The New Yorker

But after being scolded for her penchant for sulky kayaking sprees at the Circle there's no such thing as a solitary pursuit she becomes an acolyte of Bailey's belief "in the perfectibility of human beings".

Vice

As such, Healey was an ally, but never an acolyte, of Hugh Gaitskell, fellow Leeds MP, and Attlee's successor as party leader in 1955.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as an acolyte of" to describe someone who is not just a follower, but also actively embodies the teachings or principles of the person or movement they admire.

Common error

While "as an acolyte of" can be effective, avoid using it repeatedly in your writing. Opt for synonyms like "as a disciple of" or "as a follower of" to maintain variety and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an acolyte of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a relationship of devoted following or adherence. Ludwig shows many instances of its usage, supporting its grammatical validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as an acolyte of" serves as a prepositional phrase denoting a relationship of devoted following or adherence, as validated by Ludwig. It typically appears in neutral contexts such as news articles and biographies, as well as in science. It characterizes a subject by their close association with a leader or ideology. While grammatically sound, it's advisable to diversify vocabulary to avoid repetition, opting for synonyms like "as a disciple of" or "as a follower of" for greater impact. Ludwig AI indicates a correct and usable phrase. This analysis offers insights into the phrase's proper application and effective use within various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a disciple of

Replaces "acolyte" with "disciple", emphasizing a more formal student-teacher relationship.

as a follower of

Uses "follower" instead of "acolyte", indicating a more general form of adherence or support.

as a devotee of

Substitutes "acolyte" with "devotee", highlighting a strong sense of dedication or admiration.

as a student of

Emphasizes the learning aspect of the relationship, implying direct instruction or mentorship.

as an admirer of

Focuses on admiration and respect for the person or idea, without necessarily implying active following.

as an adherent of

Highlights the commitment to a set of beliefs or principles associated with the person or idea.

as a protégé of

Indicates that the person is being mentored or guided by someone more experienced.

under the influence of

Implies a formative impact from the person or idea, shaping one's thoughts or actions.

inspired by

Suggests that the person or idea serves as a source of inspiration and motivation.

in the school of

Refers to belonging to a particular style, movement, or tradition associated with the person or idea.

FAQs

What does "as an acolyte of" mean?

The phrase "as an acolyte of" means being a devoted follower or admirer of someone, often implying a deep respect and adherence to their teachings or principles.

How can I use "as an acolyte of" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone who closely follows and supports a particular person, idea, or movement. For example, "He began "as an acolyte of" the famous guru, dedicating his life to meditation and service."

What are some alternatives to "as an acolyte of"?

Some alternatives include "as a disciple of", "as a follower of", or ""as a devotee of depending on the context"".

Is "as an acolyte of" formal or informal?

The phrase "as an acolyte of" leans toward a more formal register, often found in news articles, biographies, and academic writing. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your piece when deciding whether to use it.