is symptomatic of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is symptomatic of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sign or indication of a larger issue or problem. Here is an example: "The high rate of unemployment in our city is symptomatic of the struggling economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Its plight is symptomatic of Europe.

The New York Times - Sports

It is symptomatic of existing insecurities.

The New York Times

This, too, is symptomatic of Johan Cruyff.

The New York Times - Sports

The degradation is symptomatic of larger losses.

The New York Times - Books

It is symptomatic of the entire documentary.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And that is symptomatic of this film.

The Guardian

And that is symptomatic of Wheeldon's oeuvre.

The New Yorker

Sometimes introspection is symptomatic of a problem.

The New York Times - Books

It is symptomatic of a trend.

The Guardian - Film

That is symptomatic of evasion and deception..

The Guardian

Ross's plight is symptomatic of London Met's battle for survival.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is symptomatic of" to clearly link an observable symptom to a larger, often less visible, underlying issue or problem. This helps to establish a cause-and-effect relationship in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is symptomatic of" when a simpler phrase like "indicates" or "shows" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious in straightforward situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is symptomatic of" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject (a sign, event, or condition) to a predicate that identifies it as indicative of a larger or underlying issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is symptomatic of" serves as a crucial tool for indicating that a specific event or observation points to a more extensive, underlying issue. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news and media to connect surface-level occurrences with deeper causes. While versatile, it's best employed when a direct causal link needs emphasis, avoiding overuse in simpler contexts where alternative expressions like "indicates" or "suggests" might suffice. The related phrases and usage guidance further refine its application, ensuring clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is indicative of

Focuses more on the idea of pointing something out or suggesting something.

is a sign of

Emphasizes the idea of something being an observable indicator.

is representative of

Highlights the aspect of standing for or typifying something larger.

is characteristic of

Focuses on the typical traits or features associated with something.

is demonstrative of

Emphasizes the act of clearly showing or proving something.

is evidence of

Highlights the role of providing proof or support for a claim.

is reflective of

Focuses on mirroring or representing something in a more abstract way.

is a manifestation of

Emphasizes the outward appearance or embodiment of something.

is an expression of

Highlights the act of conveying or revealing inner thoughts or feelings.

is a consequence of

Focuses on the result or outcome of a preceding event or condition.

FAQs

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

Use "is symptomatic of" to connect a specific sign or symptom to a broader underlying problem or condition. For instance, "The company's declining profits "is symptomatic of" poor management."

What are some alternatives to using "is symptomatic of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "is indicative of", "is a sign of", or "is representative of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "is symptomatic of" and "is a symptom of"?

"Is a symptom of" directly identifies something as a symptom, while ""is symptomatic of"" suggests that something is indicative or suggestive of a larger issue or condition. The latter implies a more nuanced relationship.

When is it appropriate to use "is symptomatic of" instead of "indicates"?

Use ""is symptomatic of"" when you want to emphasize that a specific observation is not just a simple indicator, but rather a manifestation of a deeper, often more complex, underlying issue. "Indicates" is more general and less emphatic.