be emblematic of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be emblematic of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is representative or symbolic of a larger concept or idea. Example: The Statue of Liberty is often seen as emblematic of freedom and opportunity in the United States.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it could be emblematic of wider relationship problems.

The New York Times

It is meant to be emblematic of human coexistence.

The New York Times - Arts

Obs: Your house seems to be emblematic of England.

The Guardian - Books

The museum may also be emblematic of Mr Chirac's career in another way.

Independent

Perhaps Young's gutsy survival against Wawrinka was, or will be, emblematic of his career.

The New York Times - Sports

Assam may be emblematic of the kind of catastrophe soon to hit much of developing Asia.

The New York Times

I don't want isolationism to be emblematic of the national Republican Party".

The New York Times

"The painting may be emblematic of his nickname," Mr. Christiansen said.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps this is supposed to be emblematic of his lack of pretentiousness.

The Guardian - Books

But the staff shortage may well be emblematic of a larger problem for restaurants.

The New York Times

She wants to be emblematic of her gender and liberated from race and gender politics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be emblematic of" when you want to highlight the symbolic representation of a broader concept or idea, rather than a simple example.

Common error

Avoid using "be emblematic of" when a simpler term like "represent" or "symbolize" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be emblematic of" functions as a linking phrase indicating that something serves as a symbol or representation of a larger concept or idea. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be emblematic of" is a linking phrase used to indicate that something serves as a symbol or representation of a larger concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While grammatically sound, it's best used when emphasizing a deeper symbolic connection, rather than simple descriptions. Alternatives include simpler verbs like "represent" or "symbolize", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be representative of

Similar, but focuses on typicality rather than symbolism.

symbolize

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the symbolic nature more directly.

be a symbol of

Directly states symbolic representation, simpler phrasing.

exemplify

Focuses on serving as an example, less about broader symbolism.

represent

Simpler and more direct, lacking the nuance of symbolizing a broader concept.

stand for

More informal, suggesting a simpler representation.

epitomize

Suggests being the perfect example, a higher degree of representation.

typify

Highlights typical characteristics, less about symbolic meaning.

incarnate

Suggests embodiment of a quality or idea, more emphatic.

mirror

Implies reflection of something else, less about inherent symbolism.

FAQs

How can I use "be emblematic of" in a sentence?

You can use "be emblematic of" to show that something represents a larger idea. For instance, "The Statue of Liberty is emblematic of freedom" means it symbolizes freedom.

What is a good alternative to "be emblematic of"?

Alternatives include "represent", "symbolize", or "be representative of", depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "be emblematic of"?

While grammatically correct, "be emblematic of" is best used when emphasizing a deeper symbolic connection. Simpler verbs like "represent" may be more suitable for straightforward descriptions.

What is the difference between "be emblematic of" and "be representative of"?

"Be emblematic of" suggests a symbolic representation, while "be representative of" implies a typical or characteristic example. Use "be emblematic of" when something serves as a symbol.