be symptomatic of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be symptomatic of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is a sign or indication of a particular condition or situation. Example: "The increase in stress levels among employees may be symptomatic of a larger issue within the company culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The italics and repetitions may be symptomatic of Krista's obsession, but they still overwhelm the prose.

The Guardian - Books

The dither and delay surrounding the decision appears to be symptomatic of a more general malaise.

The Guardian

His attitude may be symptomatic of an ambivalence to more than modern languages.

The New Yorker

The current cosy booking formula may be symptomatic of contemporary British culture in general.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Masking the process may well be symptomatic of masked anxiety and depression.

The New York Times

Then again, the gender divide may itself be symptomatic of something hard-hitting about Calle's work.

The New York Times - Style

They may merely be symptomatic of a culture obsessed with anniversaries and remembrance.

The Guardian

Excessive TV viewing could, for instance, be symptomatic of, rather than a cause of, sociopathic behaviour among children.

The Guardian

The situation in Glasgow seems to be symptomatic of a growing trend towards outsourcing housing for asylum seekers.

The Guardian

London commuters consider conversation with strangers to be symptomatic of mental instability.

The Economist

It is doubtless tiresome and may be symptomatic of a deeper problem.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be symptomatic of", ensure that the connection between the symptom and the underlying issue is clear to the reader. Providing context will strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "be symptomatic of" when the connection between the sign and the underlying issue is weak or speculative. Use more tentative language if the relationship is not well-established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be symptomatic of" functions as a linking expression, connecting a specific observation or sign to an underlying condition, cause, or general state. As Ludwig AI points out, this usage is commonly found in various forms of writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be symptomatic of" is a versatile phrase used to link observable signs to underlying conditions across a multitude of contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical correctness and frequent use in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times highlight its reliability. When employing this phrase, ensure the connection between the symptom and the underlying issue is evident. While "be symptomatic of" is prevalent in neutral to formal writing, alternative phrases such as "be indicative of" or "be a sign of" can offer suitable alternatives depending on the desired nuance and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be indicative of

This alternative is more direct and implies a clear indication or sign.

be a sign of

This alternative is simpler and more commonly used in informal contexts.

be an indication of

This alternative is similar to "be a sign of" but slightly more formal.

point to

This alternative suggests that something provides evidence or hints at something else.

be suggestive of

This alternative implies that something hints at or suggests something else without being a definite sign.

be representative of

This alternative implies that something is a typical example or characteristic of something else.

be reflective of

This alternative suggests that something mirrors or shows the characteristics of something else.

be a manifestation of

This alternative is more formal and suggests that something is an outward expression or appearance of something else.

be demonstrative of

This alternative emphasizes that something clearly shows or proves something else.

bespeak

This alternative is a more literary and concise way of saying something indicates or reveals something.

FAQs

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

You can use "be symptomatic of" to indicate that a particular sign or symptom is representative of an underlying condition or problem. For instance, "The company's high employee turnover rate may "be symptomatic of" deeper management issues."

What are some alternatives to "be symptomatic of"?

Alternatives to "be symptomatic of" include "be indicative of", "be a sign of", or "point to". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be symptomatic of" or "be a symptom of"?

"Be a symptom of" directly states that something is a symptom. "Be symptomatic of" implies that something is characteristic of or points to an underlying cause. The better choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the direct symptom or the underlying condition.

Can "be symptomatic of" be used in contexts other than medical ones?

Yes, "be symptomatic of" can be used in various contexts, including social, economic, and organizational situations. It's used to suggest that an observed phenomenon is indicative of a more fundamental issue. For example, "Decreased voter turnout can "be symptomatic of" widespread political apathy."