be evocative of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be evocative of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that brings to mind or suggests a particular feeling, image, or memory. Example: "The painting's vibrant colors and dynamic composition are evocative of the energy of the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It will be evocative of an era that doesn't exist any more".

The Guardian - Music

We wanted the room to be evocative of the high-style taste of the Monroe era".

The New York Times - Arts

Those angels, like the granite cliff that shades the cove, manage to be evocative of both permanence and mortality.

The New York Times - Books

His language about community and shared sacrifice can be evocative of Mario M. Cuomo's 1984 speech to the Democratic convention.

The New York Times

The coy, racy posing and lopsided grin were meant to be evocative of Mr. Wahlberg's original ad, photographed by Herb Ritts, which was a huge hit.

The New York Times

The suburban mosques I have listed tend to be evocative of watan al-asli but the most contemporary Australian mosques engage with watan al-sukna.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It is evocative of all things green.

The New York Times

They, too, are evocative of "Mad Men".

The New York Times

The works are evocative of the landscape of southeast China.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The patterns, although geometric, are evocative of stems and vines.

The New York Times - Arts

The banjo is evocative of something in the past, and these lyrics are evocative of something new".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be evocative of" when you want to describe something that subtly or indirectly suggests a particular feeling, memory, or image, rather than directly stating it.

Common error

While "be evocative of" is appropriate in many situations, avoid overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise language might be preferred. Consider alternatives such as "reminiscent of" or "suggests" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be evocative of" functions as a descriptive verb phrase. It ascribes a quality to a subject, indicating that the subject subtly brings forth a particular feeling, memory, or image. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be evocative of" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that subtly brings a particular feeling, memory, or image to mind. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, making it appropriate for a variety of contexts. While similar phrases like "remind one of" and "evoke" exist, "be evocative of" often implies a stronger emotional connection. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing, avoiding overuse in highly formal contexts where a more precise alternative might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evoke

Focuses on the act of eliciting a feeling or memory.

remind one of

Highlights the similarity between two things.

be reminiscent of

Similar to 'remind one of' but slightly more formal.

bear resemblance to

Stresses a visual or superficial similarity.

bring to mind

Focuses on the act of recalling something.

call to mind

Emphasizes the act of summoning a memory or image.

conjure up

Implies a more magical or imaginative recollection.

suggest

Implies a subtle connection or hint.

echo

Suggests a faint or indirect similarity.

hint at

Emphasizes a less direct suggestion.

FAQs

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

You can use "be evocative of" to describe something that brings a particular feeling, image, or memory to mind. For example, "The music was "reminiscent of" a summer evening" or "The old photographs were "suggestive of" a bygone era".

What phrases are similar to "be evocative of"?

Alternatives to "be evocative of" include "remind one of", "be reminiscent of", "suggest", or simply "evoke" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "be evocative of" or "evoke"?

Both "be evocative of" and "evoke" are correct, but "be evocative of" is often used when you want to emphasize the indirect or subtle way in which something brings a particular feeling or image to mind. "Evoke" is more direct.

What is the difference between "be evocative of" and "be reminiscent of"?

"Be evocative of" and "be reminiscent of" are very similar, but "be evocative of" often implies a stronger emotional or sensory connection. While "be reminiscent of" simply means that something reminds you of something else, "be evocative of" suggests that it brings a particular feeling or atmosphere to mind.