hallmark of class

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hallmark of class" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a characteristic or feature that is indicative of sophistication or high social status. Example: "The exquisite design and attention to detail in the architecture are a true hallmark of class."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Wisden described Hutton's tour as a succession of triumphs until he tired at the end: "Hutton's driving aroused the greatest admiration, but all his strokes were stamped with the hallmark of class".

Wikipedia

Direct repeats flanking putative GAG and POL ORFs, a hallmark of Class I LTR elements, were first identified using the DNAstar program GeneQuest 6.1.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

When all these studies are taken together, it is readily apparent that the nicotinamide cofactor is crucial to the entirety of the reaction cycle, well beyond its initial task of reducing the flavin moiety, and this multifaceted involvement is, indeed, a hallmark of the class B monooxygenase family.

Biochemistry

This ancestral intron position may be a hallmark of this class of SUN genes, as it is also found in the Arabidopsis, rice, sorghum, and moss homologs.

BMC Plant Biology

He was born in 1923 to a noble Polish family and grew up steeped in the Catholic faith and anti-Russian mythology that was a hallmark of his class.

The Economist

Of note, induction of adiponectin is also a hallmark of another class of anti-diabetic therapeutics, the thiazoladinediones [ 6].

Aging

The α1, α2 and Ig domains are the hallmark of MHC class I genes.

BMC Genomics

His insistence on finishing the race, against the wishes of a Mercedes team that wanted to retire him, and the genuine felicitations offered to Hamilton, first over the radio and then in person, were the hallmarks of a class act.

Independent

The education and credentials that were once hallmarks of middle class status are now more widely accessible than ever (thanks in part to an economic order increasingly premised on the vast and uncontrolled expansion of personal debt), but those credentials are also less tied to securing or maintaining middle class jobs than ever before.

Vice

The SitA structure revealed all the hallmarks of a class III SBP, presenting a bilobate structure of N- and C-terminal domains connected by an α-helix, with the Mn2+ ion harboured in a central ligand-binding pocket.

Bioscience Reports

It swept more than a million Americans out of foreclosure and into the long-term, stable mortgages that would become the hallmark of the middle class during the 1950s and '60s.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hallmark of class", ensure that the characteristic you are describing genuinely reflects sophistication, elegance, or high social standing, and isn't merely superficial. Use it to describe enduring qualities rather than fleeting trends.

Common error

Avoid using "hallmark of class" to describe items or behaviors that are simply expensive or trendy, but lack genuine refinement or historical significance. The phrase is most effective when applied to qualities or attributes that are timeless and reflect deeper cultural or social values.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hallmark of class" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a distinctive attribute or characteristic that is strongly associated with high social standing, elegance, or sophistication. The Ludwig examples show its application in diverse contexts, from cricket to social commentary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hallmark of class" is a noun phrase denoting a distinctive attribute indicative of high social standing or elegance. As identified by Ludwig, it appears more frequently in news and media and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring the described quality genuinely reflects enduring sophistication rather than superficial trends. Ludwig AI also provides a selection of related phrases for a nuanced approach to express similar ideas. The phrase is grammatically correct, though not extremely common, making careful application key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

epitome of class

Changes the structure to emphasize being a perfect example rather than a defining characteristic.

badge of class

Uses "badge" to suggest a visible symbol or sign of belonging to a specific social stratum.

stamp of class

Employs "stamp" to convey a clear and undeniable mark of high quality or social standing.

sign of elegance

Replaces "hallmark" with "sign" and "class" with "elegance", focusing on refined appearance and behavior.

mark of sophistication

Substitutes "class" with "sophistication" highlighting refined taste and cultured knowledge.

attribute of refinement

Uses "attribute" to denote a quality and "refinement" to highlight elegance and good taste.

trait of distinction

Employs "trait" to indicate a characteristic and "distinction" to emphasize excellence and superiority.

emblem of grace

Uses "emblem" to suggest a symbolic representation and "grace" to focus on elegant and refined behavior.

distinctive feature of elegance

Adds emphasis on a specific feature related to elegance and refinement.

sure sign of high status

Directly indicates something that undoubtedly points to a position of privilege and prestige.

FAQs

How can I use "hallmark of class" in a sentence?

You can use "hallmark of class" to describe a characteristic or feature that is indicative of sophistication or high social status. For example: "The exquisite design and attention to detail in the architecture are a true "hallmark of class".

What are some alternatives to "hallmark of class"?

Alternatives include phrases like "epitome of class", "sign of elegance", or "mark of sophistication", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "hallmark of class" or "sign of class"?

"Hallmark of class" implies a distinctive and recognized characteristic, whereas "sign of class" simply indicates an attribute associated with it. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a defining feature or just a general indicator.

What distinguishes "hallmark of class" from "status symbol"?

"Hallmark of class" describes an inherent quality, while "status symbol" refers to an external object used to signal social position. The former is about inherent characteristics; the latter is about outward display.