in a nod

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a nod" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a gesture of acknowledgment or agreement, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The committee made a decision in a nod to the community's concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(In a nod to tradition, he also blows kisses).

The New York Times - Sports

In a nod to transparency, we've also used our names.

The New York Times

And in a nod to local sporting passions, he frequently resorts to football analogies.

The Washington Post

In a nod to austerity, Richard Nixon decreed that the national Christmas tree would go unlit.

The New Yorker

In a nod to gender balance, many of the new tram stops are named after women.

The New York Times

In a nod to Farmville, Memrise refers to the words you're trying to learn as "seeds".

The Guardian

Weller floated the idea of including a penguin, in a nod to her childhood companion.

The New York Times

In a nod towards The Coral Reef the labyrinth contains two near-identical rooms.

The Guardian - Arts

Part of Avenida Páez here has been renamed Avenida Teheran in a nod to Iran.

The New York Times

In a nod to conservatives, the Senate plan also includes several new tax breaks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Furthermore, glioblastoma tumor xenografts in a NOD/SCID mouse were imaged.

ACS Chemical Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a nod" when you want to subtly reference or acknowledge something without explicitly stating it. It adds a layer of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in a nod" in extremely formal or academic writing where a more direct and explicit reference would be more appropriate. In such cases, opt for phrases like "with reference to" or "in recognition of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a nod" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It is used to indicate that something is done as a subtle reference or acknowledgement of something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Arts

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in a nod" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate a subtle acknowledgement or reference. It's grammatically correct and very common, especially in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While versatile, avoid overusing it in extremely formal writing where directness is preferred. Consider alternatives like "with reference to" or "in recognition of" to suit different contexts and tones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with reference to

Implies a direct connection or allusion to something specific.

in recognition of

Highlights the act of acknowledging or giving credit to something.

as a gesture to

Emphasizes the symbolic action of acknowledging something.

alluding to

Suggests an indirect reference or hint towards something.

in deference to

Indicates respect or submission to another's wishes or ideas.

with an eye toward

Focuses on considering something as a factor or influence.

paying homage to

Emphasizes deep respect and honor towards something or someone.

a tip of the hat to

Informal way of acknowledging or giving credit.

in consideration of

Highlights thoughtfulness in taking something into account.

by way of acknowledgement

Formal phrasing to indicate a gesture of recognition.

FAQs

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

"In a nod" is typically used to indicate a subtle reference or acknowledgement. For example, "The designer included a blue accent "in a nod" to the company's branding".

What are some alternatives to saying "in a nod"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "with reference to", "in recognition of", or "as a gesture to".

Is "in a nod" formal or informal?

"In a nod" is generally considered to be neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing, though it leans towards being slightly more common in journalistic or descriptive writing.

How does "in a nod" differ from "with respect to"?

While both phrases indicate a connection or reference, "in a nod" suggests a more subtle and indirect acknowledgement, whereas "with respect to" implies a more direct and formal consideration or relation. So you may choose to use "with reference to" instead of "with respect to".