is representative of

USAGE SUMMARY

'is representative of' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to explain that something is an example or symbol of something else. For example, "The image of a bear is representative of strength and courage."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Saturn site is representative of many.

The New York Times

"We want music that is representative of us," he said, "that is representative of the Hispanic".

The New York Times

"Every color is representative of a state of mind".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Simple Dreams" is representative of what makes Ronstadt special.

The New Yorker

No party now is representative of the nation.

The Guardian

that is representative of all the peoples of Iraq".

The New York Times

(This Washington Post correction is representative of the general backtracking).

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet it is representative of the happiness of Saturday.

The New York Times

His fine graphic work is representative of forceful Impressionist drawing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

THE MARKET This house is representative of entry-level pricing.

The New York Times

MISHAN: Do you think that Obama is representative of Hawaii?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is representative of", ensure that the subject truly embodies the characteristics it claims to represent. Avoid generalizations based on limited or unrepresentative examples.

Common error

Avoid using "is representative of" when the example is an outlier or exception. Ensure the subject accurately reflects the broader category or group you're referencing. For example, avoid sentences like "This single incident is representative of the entire city's crime rate."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is representative of" functions as a linking verb connecting a subject to a predicate adjective phrase. It asserts that the subject embodies the qualities or characteristics of what follows the preposition 'of'. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is representative of" is a versatile and commonly used expression that serves to characterize or exemplify a subject by linking it to a broader category or concept. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. While it is essential to ensure that the subject accurately embodies the qualities it claims to represent, using "is representative of" effectively enhances clarity and understanding in writing. Alternatives such as "is indicative of" and "exemplifies" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is characteristic of

States that something is typical or distinctive of a particular person, thing, or group.

is indicative of

Emphasizes that something serves as a sign or indication of something else.

epitomizes

Implies being a perfect example of something.

reflects

Indicates that something shows or embodies the qualities or characteristics of something else.

exemplifies

Focuses on highlighting a typical example or model.

illustrates

Focuses on providing a clear example that helps to explain or clarify something.

typifies

Highlights that something is a characteristic example of a class or group.

is symbolic of

Highlights that something serves as a symbol or representation of something else, often with deeper meaning.

embodies

Implies that something gives a tangible or concrete form to an abstract idea or quality.

mirrors

Suggests a direct reflection or close resemblance.

FAQs

How can I use "is representative of" in a sentence?

Use "is representative of" to indicate that something serves as a typical or characteristic example of a larger group or concept. For example: "This data "is representative of" the overall trend."

What are some alternatives to "is representative of"?

Alternatives include "is indicative of", "exemplifies", or "is characteristic of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to say something "is representative of" a larger group?

Not always. Ensure the example truly reflects the characteristics of the group and is not an outlier. Misusing the phrase can lead to overgeneralizations and inaccurate conclusions. Consider if "is characteristic of" can be a better fit instead.

What's the difference between "is representative of" and "is an example of"?

"Is an example of" simply indicates that something belongs to a category. "Is representative of" implies that the example embodies the typical qualities of that category. Something can be an example without being representative.