in a microcosm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a microcosm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small, representative example of a larger system or situation. Example: "The small town served as a microcosm of the larger societal issues facing the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We live pretty much in a microcosm".

The New York Times - Sports

Indeed, you can get the African bush in a microcosm.

Independent

It captures part of the war in a microcosm.

The New York Times

This, in a microcosm, sums up radio listener habits.

The Guardian

But even more, here in a microcosm was their model of themselves in the world.

The New York Times - Health

And that, in a microcosm, is the story of the Expo.

The New York Times

The effort was there, but in a microcosm of the trip, the result was not.

The New York Times - Sports

The fate of "The Gambler" was its composer's fate in a microcosm.

The New York Times - Arts

We can't continue to operate in a microcosm and say it's Detroit against the world.

The New York Times

"We're aware that this is not happening in a microcosm," he said.

The Guardian

And it seems to me that Alex lives in a microcosm of our world.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in a microcosm", ensure that the connection between the smaller example and the larger phenomenon is clear to the reader. Provide enough context to establish the link.

Common error

Avoid using "in a microcosm" when the example is too large or complex to be considered a 'smaller' representation. The term works best when the example provides a clear, simplified reflection of a larger issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a microcosm" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or clause to indicate that something is a smaller, representative version of something larger. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples showcasing this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a microcosm" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates a smaller entity represents a larger one. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the connection between the smaller example and the larger phenomenon is clear and that the example is not too complex to serve as a simplified representation. Alternatives include "on a smaller scale" and "in essence". By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "in a microcosm" to add depth and relevance to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a smaller scale

Focuses on the size difference and representation.

in miniature

Emphasizes the reduced size and likeness.

in essence

Highlights the core or most important aspects being represented.

in brief

Implies a concise representation.

in a nutshell

Suggests a very compact and comprehensive summary.

on a reduced scale

Similar to 'on a smaller scale' but emphasizes the action of reduction.

as a model

Highlights the representative nature of the smaller entity.

in a limited scope

Focuses on the restricted boundaries of the example.

in simplified terms

Emphasizes the ease of understanding the representation.

on a symbolic level

Suggests the representation is more abstract or metaphorical.

FAQs

How can I use "in a microcosm" in a sentence?

Use "in a microcosm" to show how a small situation reflects a larger trend. For instance, "The local election was "in a microcosm" of the national political climate" demonstrates a clear parallel between the two.

What are some alternatives to using "in a microcosm"?

Alternatives include "on a smaller scale", "in miniature", or "in essence". The best choice depends on the specific context and what aspect of the representation you want to emphasize.

Is it always appropriate to use "in a microcosm" when describing a smaller version of something?

Not always. Ensure that the smaller version genuinely reflects the key characteristics of the larger entity. If the smaller version is too different or lacks crucial elements, using "in a microcosm" may be misleading.

What's the difference between "in a microcosm" and "on a smaller scale"?

"In a microcosm" implies that the smaller entity is a representative version of the larger one, capturing its essential features. "On a smaller scale" simply indicates a difference in size without necessarily implying a representative relationship.