is a true microcosm of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a true microcosm of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that represents or reflects a larger whole in a smaller, more manageable form. Example: "The small town is a true microcosm of the diverse cultures found throughout the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The group is a true microcosm of the full exhibition, comprising different aesthetic sensibilities and techniques.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Carpentersville, Ill., is a perfect microcosm of the national situation.

The New York Times

The floating market is a little microcosm of that.

BBC

Mundra is a microcosm of the scale of development.

BBC

Ultimately, Amazon's HQ2 process is a microcosm of larger forces, of technology, inequality and democracy.

TechCrunch

We argue that genetics is a microcosm of the changing dynamics of the practice of medicine.

Genome Medicine

Another is that the last two decades are passed over lightly, with little sense, for example, of how immigrants from uncommon places have transformed the city into a true microcosm.

The New York Times - Books

"When people compare their desires with reality, they realize that Gujarat is a microcosm of those wishes" coming true.

BBC

It is true (and lamentable) that the island suffers great inequality, but in that it is a microcosm of Britain as a whole.

The Guardian

"Now suburbia is a microcosm of America.

The New York Times

That task is a microcosm of life.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a true microcosm of" to emphasize that a smaller entity accurately represents all the key characteristics and dynamics of a larger system or situation. This highlights the representative nature of the smaller sample.

Common error

Avoid using "is a true microcosm of" when the smaller entity lacks key components or characteristics of the larger system. Ensure a genuine, comprehensive reflection, not just a superficial resemblance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a true microcosm of" functions as a descriptive predicate. It serves to equate a subject with a smaller representation that mirrors a larger entity, indicating a scaled-down but faithful reflection of essential attributes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes the nature of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a true microcosm of" is a grammatically correct and conceptually rich expression used to denote a smaller entity that accurately represents a larger one. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is well accepted in the English language.

While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent use in news, scientific, and business contexts. It is a useful phrase to use when you are aiming for accuracy. Consider alternatives like "is a perfect representation of" or "is a small-scale model of" to add nuance to your writing. The most important thing is to avoid claiming that something "is a true microcosm of" if you do not accurately represent all the key characteristics and dynamics of a larger system or situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a perfect representation of

This alternative emphasizes accuracy in reflecting the larger entity.

is a miniature version of

This alternative highlights the smaller scale of the representation.

is a small-scale model of

This alternative suggests a deliberate and simplified representation.

is a paradigm of

This alternative implies that the example is an ideal or standard.

is an epitome of

This alternative denotes a perfect example embodying essential qualities.

is a reduced version of

This alternative focuses on the simplified or lessened form.

is a reflection of

This alternative suggests mirroring or showing the characteristics of the larger entity.

is emblematic of

This alternative stresses symbolic representation.

is illustrative of

This alternative emphasizes clarifying or explaining the larger entity.

is representative of

This alternative means it serves as a typical example.

FAQs

What does it mean to say something "is a true microcosm of" something else?

Saying that something "is a true microcosm of" something else means that the first thing is a smaller version of the second thing, but it has all the same important qualities or features.

How can I use "is a true microcosm of" in a sentence?

You can use "is a true microcosm of" to describe a smaller entity that accurately represents the characteristics of a larger entity. For example, "The local community "is a true microcosm of" the nation's diverse population".

What can I say instead of "is a true microcosm of"?

You can use alternatives like "is a perfect representation of", "is a miniature version of", or "is a small-scale model of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is a true microcosm of" in formal writing?

Yes, "is a true microcosm of" can be used in formal writing. It's a clear and descriptive way to convey that a smaller entity accurately reflects a larger entity, which is often useful in academic and professional contexts.