in the figure of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the figure of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to something that is represented or symbolized by an object, person, or act. For example, "The opera singer's performance was in the figure of a goddess, captivating the crowd with her beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The connection between sleep and death is made explicit in the figure of Dracula: The two concepts aren't figuratively interchangeable but physically coexist.

Huffington Post

The other transformation lies in the figure of Obama.

The New Yorker

I assume that the number of those guards is included in the figure of 24,091.

Yale University

The element of wish fulfillment is embodied in the figure of Reacher himself.

The New Yorker

All of Beaumont's threads get braided together in the figure of Charles Dickens.

The Guardian - Books

Yet the texture of the story has a weathered toughness, exemplified in the figure of Dafoe.

The New Yorker

In the figure of Zafar, Zia Haider Rahman has given us all this and more.

The Guardian - Books

New Yorkers have their own Haussmann in the figure of Robert Moses.

The New York Times - Arts

"Scotch Drink and Irish Harps: Mediations of the National Air". In The Figure of Music in Nineteenth=Century British Poetry.

University of California, Berkeley

In the figure of the nihilist Bazarov, uncouth, truthful, frightening, he created one of the most disturbing of anti-heroes.

The Guardian

Austerlitz is memorable because of his fragility, which sometimes casts him in the figure of the sweet old man.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the figure of" when you want to highlight that a person or object is representing an idea, concept, or quality. It's effective in literary analysis, historical discussions, and cultural commentary.

Common error

Avoid using "in the figure of" when a simpler phrasing like "as" or "like" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the figure of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a noun or noun phrase. It serves to indicate that the subject is represented, embodied, or symbolized by the noun that follows, offering a deeper layer of meaning. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the figure of" is a prevalent prepositional phrase used to establish a symbolic or representative link between a subject and a particular representation. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in academic, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, consider alternatives like "embodied by" or "represented by", but be mindful of overuse and ensure the phrase adds genuine value to your description. By adhering to these best practices, you can effectively employ "in the figure of" to enhance the depth and nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embodied by

Focuses on the physical or concrete representation by something or someone.

represented by

Indicates a symbolic or abstract representation.

exemplified by

Highlights something that serves as a typical example.

personified by

Emphasizes the attribution of human qualities to something non-human.

symbolized by

Suggests a deeper, often culturally understood meaning.

as portrayed by

Refers specifically to a depiction, often in art or media.

mirrored in

Indicates a reflection or resemblance.

manifested in

Implies a clear and obvious demonstration or appearance.

as depicted in

Similar to "as portrayed by", but can apply to any visual representation.

incarnated as

Suggests a transformation or embodiment in a new form.

FAQs

How can I use "in the figure of" in a sentence?

Use "in the figure of" to indicate that someone or something is embodying a particular concept or characteristic. For instance, "Justice is often represented "embodied by" the figure of a blindfolded woman holding scales".

What are some alternatives to "in the figure of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "represented by", "embodied by", or "exemplified by" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "in the form of" instead of "in the figure of"?

While "in the form of" can sometimes be used as a substitute, it typically refers to the physical shape or appearance, whereas "in the figure of" often implies a symbolic or representative role. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "in the figure of" and "as portrayed by"?

"In the figure of" is broader and can refer to any representation, while "as portrayed by" is specifically used to describe how someone or something is depicted, often in artistic or media contexts.