canonical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "canonical" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to standards, norms, or authoritative texts, often in fields like literature, mathematics, or computer science. Example: "The canonical version of the novel is considered the definitive text that all adaptations should reference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If we rejected every creative work that is in some way "problematic", the canonical cupboard would be bare.

The Guardian - Tech

The coming years, no doubt, will see the publication of unfinished work, along with the scholarly editions, biographies and academic tomes that inevitably mark the translation from living poet to canonical great.

The Guardian - Books

But what, if anything, do the neocons, of whom Mr Wolfowitz is a canonical example, have to teach about aid?

The Economist

A group of Islamist lawyers calling itself "Lawyers Without Shackles" is taking Egypt's ministry of culture to court for issuing a new edition of the Nights that is more faithful to the 1835 Cairene manuscripts that form the cornerstone of the canonical version of this famously fluid text.

The Economist

None took up the offer.In a land where pious words saturate airwaves and canonical texts fill bookshelves, the prominence of relatively secular types like Mr Qimani marks a trend.Their following may be tiny compared with the adulation enjoyed by Mr Qaradawi.

The Economist

Westminster systems may in theory be designed to operate smoothly under conditions of polarisation, but in fact over the past two years the canonical Westminster countries Britain, Canada and Australia have all found themselves struggling with the extraordinary spectre of hung parliaments.

The Economist

If Rolltronics' plan pans out, it could prove to be a canonical example.

The Economist

Having one canonical version will make it easier to proselytise, especially in schools: revivalists hope to offer a set of Cornish textbooks to pupils from next year.

The Economist

Doesn't the display amount to a violation of the canonical separation of religion and politics?Arkansas's Society of Freethinkers certainly thinks so.

The Economist

The definition of "wife" is open to question too: Gnostic writing also features terms such as "bridal chamber", used without any connotation of sexual intimacy.In this section Virtual relations Launderers Anonymous Brideshead revisited ReprintsNor is it unusual for other ancient texts to differ from the Bible's four "canonical" gospels.

The Economist

This is a violation of "rationality", and yet as an alternative canonical principle it is theoretically tractable: settled models of economic behaviour can be built up from this starting-point.Debt to societyIn his paper, Mr Thaler looks further ahead and suggests new directions for this kind of research.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the word "canonical", ensure the context clearly indicates what standard or canon is being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "canonical" loosely as a synonym for "common" or "popular". "Canonical" implies adherence to a specific standard or inclusion in a recognized set, not just widespread occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "canonical" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that something is recognized, authoritative, or conforms to an established standard. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from literature to computer science, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "canonical" functions as an adjective that signifies something adheres to an accepted standard, is authoritative, or is part of a recognized collection. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various fields. It's prevalent in contexts like news, science, and formal writing, emphasizing its role in establishing credibility and adherence to established norms. To use "canonical" effectively, remember it implies more than just "common"; it suggests inclusion within a specific, recognized set or standard. While alternatives like "authoritative" or "standard" exist, "canonical" offers a specific nuance of belonging to a canon or established body of knowledge. The wide variety of Ludwig examples showcase the range of applicability of the term, solidifying its status as a valuable asset in academic and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authoritative

Emphasizes the recognized or official nature of something.

standard

Highlights adherence to a recognized norm or model.

orthodox

Focuses on conformity to established doctrines or practices.

conventional

Stresses acceptance and widespread usage.

classic

Indicates something that is a well-known and respected example.

accepted

Highlights general agreement or approval.

official

Implies endorsement by an authority or institution.

recognized

Emphasizes widespread acknowledgement or awareness.

established

Suggests something that is long-standing and well-respected.

prototypical

Highlights the role of serving as a model or example.

FAQs

How is "canonical" used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "canonical" often refers to texts or theories that are considered essential and foundational within a particular field of study. For example, you might refer to the "canonical" works of Shakespeare in literature or the "canonical" theories of economics.

What does it mean when something is described as the "canonical" example?

The "canonical" example is the most representative or typical instance of something. It's the go-to illustration that best embodies the key characteristics or principles. It serves as a benchmark or standard for understanding other related examples.

Is there a difference between "canonical" and "standard"?

"Canonical" implies inclusion within an accepted or authoritative collection or list, often in literature, religion, or law. "Standard", on the other hand, simply means conforming to a norm or expectation. While there's overlap, "canonical" carries a stronger sense of authority and recognized importance.

What are some alternatives to using the word "canonical"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "authoritative", "standard", "orthodox", or "classic". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize authority, conformity, tradition, or enduring quality.