be typical of

USAGE SUMMARY

"be typical of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about something that is usual or expected from a specific group or situation. For example, "The lack of communication between employees and management is typical of workplaces in this industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This seems to be typical of her.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That would be typical of the raging, stubborn bastard.

The Guardian - Music

These replies might be typical of our own.

The Guardian - Opinion

The case seems to be typical of the condition.

The Guardian

That percentage seems to be typical of large companies.

The New York Times

These problems are shown to be typical of calculators generally.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies

A rate of 600 metres (2,000ft) a minute would be typical of a controlled descent.

The Guardian

Cycles of consensus followed by alienation seem to be typical of the French political culture.

The Guardian

"There was bondage, beating and domination which seem to be typical of S&M behaviour.

The Guardian

It would be typical of him to have a smoke once he'd reached the mountain peak.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The number of transfers in 1962 tended to be typical of previous years.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be typical of" to describe expected or common attributes within a specific group, situation, or category to provide context and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "be typical of" to make broad generalizations about entire populations or groups without factual support. Ensure your statement is based on reliable data or observed patterns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be typical of" functions as a predicative expression indicating that something is representative or characteristic of a particular group, situation, or category. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be typical of" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe something that is representative or characteristic of a particular group or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, and its register is generally neutral. When using this phrase, ensure that your statement is based on reliable data and avoid making broad generalizations without sufficient evidence. Alternatives include phrases such as "be characteristic of" or "be emblematic of", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be characteristic of

This phrase highlights that something is a distinctive trait or quality commonly associated with a particular person, place, or thing.

be representative of

This implies that something is a sample or subset that accurately reflects the larger group or population, emphasizing its representational accuracy.

be illustrative of

This alternative indicates that something serves as a clear example, highlighting its role in clarifying or demonstrating a point.

be emblematic of

This alternative suggests that something serves as a symbol or representation, emphasizing its representative nature.

be a hallmark of

This suggests that something is a distinguishing or defining feature, making it easily recognizable and often of high quality.

be true to form for

This indicates that someone or something is acting as expected based on their established behavior or reputation, emphasizing predictability.

be consistent with

This emphasizes the uniformity or lack of contradiction between different elements or events, highlighting a stable and coherent pattern.

be suggestive of

This phrase implies that something hints at or implies a particular quality or condition, focusing on its suggestive or indicative nature.

be in line with

This suggests something is conforming or adhering to a set of standards or rules, emphasizing conformity and compliance.

be in keeping with

This phrase implies that something is consistent or in harmony with something else, emphasizing alignment and agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "be typical of" to describe something that is a common or expected characteristic of a particular group or situation. For example, "The lack of funding is "be typical of" many public schools."

What are some alternatives to "be typical of"?

Alternatives include "be characteristic of", "be emblematic of", or "be representative of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "be typical of" and "be characteristic of"?

While similar, "be typical of" suggests something is common or usual, whereas "be characteristic of" implies a distinctive or defining feature. Both phrases can be used to describe qualities or behaviors, but they emphasize different aspects. For instance, complaining about the weather might "be typical of" the British, while a stiff upper lip might "be characteristic of" them.

When is it appropriate to use "be typical of" in writing?

Use "be typical of" when you want to highlight that a certain behavior, quality, or situation is commonly observed or expected within a particular group, context, or category. It's suitable for providing context, explaining patterns, or describing usual occurrences.