iconic skyline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "iconic skyline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a skyline that is widely recognized and associated with a particular city or location, often due to its distinctive architecture or historical significance. Example: "The iconic skyline of New York City is instantly recognizable, featuring landmarks like the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Towers sprouted to create an instant iconic skyline, but with a regrettable, scaleless urban moonscape below.

The New York Times

"We'll always have an iconic skyline, but we don't need this big glow over the city".

The New York Times

The Shanghai Tower, reaching 632 metres, is the third "supertall" tower on the city's iconic skyline.

The Guardian

For a few moments William was a tourist, peering through the rainy haze to glimpse New York's iconic skyline while De Blasio pointed out the sites below.

The Guardian

Bud Perrone, a spokesman for Vornado, said the company was pleased with the outcome and believed its 68-story, 1,216-foot-tall building would be "an outstanding addition to New York's iconic skyline".

The New York Times

New York is a city in little need of introduction with its iconic skyline and locations familiar to even those who have never visited Broadway, the Empire State Building, Yankee Stadium, Wall Street, and Times Square to name a few.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Sensing Spaces Architecture is not just about walls and doors and iconic skylines.

The Guardian

Pelle Cass' Timeslicee Photos Oftsmart Even The TrIconict PhotographerSkylines

Vice

In the aesthetic hierarchy of Miami, which boasts an iconic waterfront skyline, synthetically sculptured women and crystalline beaches, Wynwood is as appealing as a dollar store.

The New York Times

I'd been caught on the rim of a wheel spinning round a central axis; I had seen every face of the iconic city skyline.

Independent

Sieswerda takes boat tours to locations where giant humpback whales can be seen feeding – with the iconic Manhattan skyline in the background.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a city, use "iconic skyline" to immediately evoke a sense of familiarity and recognition in your audience. It efficiently communicates the city's visual identity.

Common error

Avoid using "iconic skyline" for lesser-known cities or towns that don't have a widely recognized skyline. This can diminish the impact of the phrase and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "iconic skyline" functions as a noun phrase, where 'iconic' serves as an adjective modifying the noun 'skyline'. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, this combination is used to describe a cityscape that is instantly recognizable and representative of a specific location.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "iconic skyline" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a city's recognizable silhouette. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in News & Media and Academic contexts, with a neutral register suitable for broad audiences. When writing, remember to reserve the term for cities truly known for their unique skylines, avoid overuse, and consider related phrases like "famous cityscape" to add nuance. The high source quality and expert rating indicate its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

famous cityscape

Replaces 'skyline' with 'cityscape', focusing on the urban landscape.

renowned city vista

Uses 'city vista' for a broader view, implying fame and recognition.

memorable urban silhouette

Focuses on the silhouette created by the city's buildings.

distinctive urban landscape

Highlights the unique qualities of the city's landscape.

well-known metropolitan outline

Replaces 'skyline' with 'metropolitan outline' emphasizing its fame.

celebrated urban vista

Uses 'celebrated' to describe the renowned cityscape.

unforgettable city profile

Emphasizes the lasting impression of the city's shape.

classic cityscape

Implies that the cityscape is timeless and well-established.

symbolic city skyline

Highlights the skyline as a representation of something larger.

signature city vista

The vista is the signature of the city.

FAQs

How can I use "iconic skyline" in a sentence?

You can use "iconic skyline" to describe a city's recognizable and distinctive silhouette, such as, "The "iconic skyline" of New York City features the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building."

What are some alternatives to "iconic skyline"?

Some alternatives to "iconic skyline" include "famous cityscape", "renowned city vista", or "memorable urban silhouette" depending on the specific context.

What makes a skyline "iconic"?

A skyline becomes "iconic" when it is widely recognized and associated with a particular city, often due to its unique architecture, historical significance, or cultural representation.

Is it appropriate to use "iconic skyline" when referring to a small town?

While technically correct, using "iconic skyline" for a small town might be an exaggeration. The term is best reserved for cities with well-known and distinctive skylines. Consider using a phrase like "picturesque town" instead.