expression for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expression for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an idea, thought, or feeling conveyed in words. For example: "The poem was an expression for the poet's sadness over a lost love."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Texans have an expression for this.

The Economist

Mitchum embodies that old expression for drunkenness: "the misery".

The New York Times

The politically charged expression for this is "marketisation".

The Guardian

Ooh-la-la is such a cute expression for barbecue".

The New York Times - Magazine

The religious expression for that self-surpassingness is "hope".

The New Yorker

Regime change is an easy expression for a difficult job.

The New York Times

"It was really an important form of expression for Chicanos.

The New York Times - Arts

Swabians even have an expression for this – hälinge reich, which means "secretly rich".

The Guardian

Instead, quietly, she deals in abstractions, making them do the work of expression for her.

The New York Times - Arts

Mountains had become the physical expression for a new school of philosophy.

The Guardian - Books

To have found expression for it, without grandiloquence, is no commonplace achievement.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expression for" to clearly indicate that you're referring to a verbal, mathematical, or symbolic representation of a concept or feeling. For example, use it to describe an equation in science or a saying in a culture.

Common error

Avoid using "expression of" when "expression for" is more appropriate. "Expression of" usually refers to the act of expressing, while "expression for" refers to a specific term or representation. For example: 'the correct "expression for" calculating area' is better than 'the correct expression of calculating area'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expression for" functions primarily as a noun phrase used to introduce or refer to a specific formula, term, or representation of something. It is often used when seeking a precise and formal way to describe a concept, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "expression for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as also confirmed by Ludwig. It's most commonly encountered in scientific and news media contexts, serving the purpose of seeking or providing a specific term, formula, or representation. While "expression for" maintains a formal and precise tone, it is a prevalent structure in various forms of writing and speech. Remember to use it when precision is important, and avoid confusion with similar phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

form of communicating

Highlights the style or method used for passing a message.

way to articulate

Focuses on the method of expressing something.

technique for articulating

Focuses on skill used to communicate effectively.

means of conveying

Highlights the mechanism used for transmission of information.

channel for articulation

Specifies a route or means to verbalize thoughts.

method to communicate

Emphasizes the structured approach to deliver thoughts.

outlet for communicating

Implies a way to release thoughts.

avenue for portrayal

Indicates a channel through which something is depicted.

vehicle for representing

Suggests a medium used to stand for something else.

mechanism for showing

Focuses on the system to showcase or reveal something.

FAQs

How can I use "expression for" in a sentence?

You can use "expression for" to refer to a specific formula, term, or phrase that represents something. For instance, "What's the mathematical "expression for" calculating the volume of a sphere?"

What's a good alternative to "expression for"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "way to articulate", "means of conveying", or "method to communicate". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the method, the conveyance, or the communication itself.

Is it better to say "expression for" or "expression of"?

The choice depends on the context. "Expression of" often refers to the act of expressing something, while "expression for" refers to the specific term or formula used. For example, use "expression for" when referring to a mathematical formula and "expression of" when talking about showing feelings.

When is it appropriate to use "expression for"?

It's appropriate when you're seeking a specific term, formula, or phrase that represents something, especially in technical or formal contexts. Use it when accuracy and precision are important.