being the icon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being the icon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that serves as a symbol or representation of a particular quality or idea. Example: "In the world of fashion, she is known for being the icon of elegance and style."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"The layman hasn't heard of Register.com or NSI, so it's a matter of being the icon that's on-screen in front of them".

Forbes

Because venture capitalists often focus on younger and earlier stage companies, they are frequently the big winners when a company goes from obscurity to being the icon on your phone's homepage, for example.

Forbes

MR: You also marched with Martin Luther King Jr.. What do you think of this person who did all these things and are you comfortable with being the icon that you are? JB: First of all, there's a key thing that you said; "What do you think of this person?" When I do look back, it's as though I am looking at somebody else, because I was so young...so bloody young.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There are iconic architects and there is the architect who is the icon of iconic architecture.

The Guardian - Arts

A million is the icon.

The Guardian

Ruth is the icon of the sport.

The New York Times - Sports

He is the icon of the franchise.

The New York Times - Sports

She was the icon of Continental Auto Body.

The New York Times

He was the icon of icon, and always will be.

The Guardian

An important feature of GUIs is the icon.

Meeting Diversity in Ergonomics

Strain development has been the icon of the fermentation industries.

Encyclopedia of Microbiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use stronger verbs to show 'being the icon'. e.g., 'becoming', 'personifying' or 'representing' if appropriate. This can add more dynamism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "being the icon" in casual conversations or informal writing. It's generally more appropriate for formal or semi-formal contexts where a significant symbolic representation is being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being the icon" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or a descriptive phrase. It identifies a subject as the embodiment or representation of a specific idea or quality, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being the icon" is a phrase used to describe a state of embodying a particular quality or serving as a symbol. It is grammatically correct and most frequently appears in news and media contexts. While not overly common, Ludwig AI indicates that it's well-recognized and serves to emphasize significance and representation. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject genuinely embodies the qualities associated with icon status and avoid overuse in informal settings. Alternatives include "serving as the symbol" or "acting as the emblem".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming the embodiment

Focuses on physically or concretely representing something.

serving as the symbol

Underscores the function of representing something else.

acting as the emblem

Focuses on being a visual or symbolic representation.

representing the epitome

Highlights the perfect or ultimate example of something.

serving as the paragon

Emphasizes representing the highest level of excellence.

personifying the ideal

Emphasizes embodying an abstract concept or standard.

representing the face

Emphasizes being the public image or representative.

personifying the spirit

Highlights embodying the essence or soul of something.

embodying the archetype

Focuses on representing a fundamental or ideal example.

becoming the standard-bearer

Highlights leading or championing a cause or movement.

FAQs

How can I use "being the icon" in a sentence?

You can use "being the icon" to describe someone or something that represents a particular quality or idea. For example, "She is known for "being the icon" of elegance and style".

What can I say instead of "being the icon"?

You can use alternatives like "serving as the symbol" or "acting as the emblem" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "being the icon" or "to be the icon"?

Both phrases can be grammatically correct, but ""being the icon"" is often used to describe a continuous state or role, while "to be the icon" might suggest an aspiration or future state.

What's the difference between "being the icon" and "becoming the icon"?

"Being the icon" implies a current state of representation, whereas "becoming the icon" suggests a process or transition towards that status.