icon of hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "icon of hope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person, symbol, or object that represents optimism or a positive future, often in challenging circumstances. Example: "The statue of the angel standing tall in the park has become an icon of hope for the community after the disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

If Clinton was the icon of ambivalence, and Bush the icon of incompetence, the icon of hope has been transformed into the truly hopeless image of political gridlock and apocalyptic rancor.

The New York Times

Jampol says he went to the family ahead of the documentary Little Girl Blue and the successful touring musical Janis and told them he wanted to position her as an icon of hope.

The Guardian - Business

In addition to its lawsuit, the Fonds has accused the House of transforming Anne into a sort of child saint without context, an appealing icon of hope but one whose Jewish identity and place among the millions killed in the Holocaust are too little emphasized.

The New York Times - Arts

And amidst the relentless gloom about Internet business, investors hunger for an icon of hope.

Forbes

Created in 2009 in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Mattern's work uses the rainbow as an icon of hope.

Vice

This phenomenon in the distance is the work of Yvette Mattern, a Puerto Rican-born, New-York-based artist who is taking the Global Rainbow around the world, aiming to stimulate social diversity by using it as an icon of hope.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And, like nature, myths and superstitions lie cheek by jowl with modernity, as when Kostya's negligent yet self-sacrificing mother takes him on a gruelling pilgrimage to the icon of St Nikolai, hoping its miraculous healing powers will cure his partial deafness.

The Guardian - Books

Ghana's president, John Dramani Mahama, said that Mandela was "an icon, not only of hope, but also of the possibility of healing".

The Guardian

"In attacking Malala, the terrorist have failed to grasp that she is not only an individual, but an icon of courage and hope who vindicates the great sacrifices that the people of Swat and the nation gave, for wresting the valley from the scourge of terrorism," Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said in a statement.

Independent

She is the teenager who marked her 16th birthday with a live address from UN headquarters, is known around the world by her first name alone, and has been lauded by a former British prime minister as "an icon of courage and hope".

BBC

Malala Yousufzai, at the age of 10, refused to have her voice silenced and became a national icon of courage and hope.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "icon of hope" when referring to a person, symbol, or object that is widely recognized and represents a positive outlook, especially during difficult times. For example, a historical figure who fought for social justice could be described as an "icon of hope".

Common error

Avoid using "icon of hope" in overly sentimental or predictable situations. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact. Instead, consider more specific and nuanced language to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "icon of hope" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive, further describing a noun. This is aligned with Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "icon of hope" is a grammatically correct and meaningful expression used to describe an individual, object, or symbol that represents optimism and the potential for positive change. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in written English. While not exceptionally common, its use in prominent news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian signifies its widespread understanding and acceptance. When using this phrase, consider alternative options like "symbol of hope" or "beacon of hope" to diversify your writing. Always use the phrase in clear and significant contexts to fully achieve the greatest effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

symbol of hope

Replaces "icon" with "symbol", maintaining the core meaning of representation.

beacon of hope

Emphasizes the guiding and illuminating aspect of hope.

embodiment of hope

Focuses on the tangible or concrete representation of hope in a person or thing.

image of hope

Highlights the visual representation or mental picture associated with hope.

sign of hope

Indicates a signal or indication that hope is present or possible.

source of hope

Points to the origin or provider of hope.

representation of hope

A more formal way of saying "icon of hope" or "symbol of hope".

promise of hope

Suggests a future expectation or guarantee of hope.

inspiration of hope

Highlights the motivational aspect of hope.

vision of hope

Emphasizes a future-oriented and aspirational view of hope.

FAQs

How can I use "icon of hope" in a sentence?

You can use "icon of hope" to describe someone or something that represents optimism and a positive future, especially in adverse circumstances. For example, "Nelson Mandela became an "icon of hope" for many around the world".

What are some alternatives to "icon of hope"?

Some alternatives include "symbol of hope", "beacon of hope", or "embodiment of hope" depending on the context.

Is "icon of hope" the same as "sign of hope"?

While both phrases relate to optimism, "icon of hope" refers to a well-known figure or symbol, while "sign of hope" suggests an indication or hint that positive change is possible.

Can "icon of hope" be used to describe abstract concepts?

While typically used for people or objects, "icon of hope" can metaphorically describe abstract concepts that inspire optimism, such as "education" or "innovation".