is that of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is that of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a particular element of a subject. For example, "The life expectancy of the average American is that of 78 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One is that of example.

The Economist

Another challenge is that of quality control.

The Economist

The darkness here is that of pain.

The New York Times - Arts

The other is that of investors.

The Economist

His basic position is that of Pres.

The New Yorker

The consolation is that of truth.

The New Yorker

The speediest rehabilitation is that of Greece.

The Economist

The sixth risk is that of neglect.

The New York Times

First is that of sovereignty.

The Guardian - Opinion

approach is that of target set reachability.

University of California, Berkeley

Another avenue is that of brain imaging.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is that of" to clearly define a specific characteristic or attribute. This construction works well in formal writing where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "is that of" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "is" or "means" often sound more natural and less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is that of" functions as a linking verb construction, establishing a relationship of equivalence or identity between two elements. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in specifying characteristics, defining roles, or drawing comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is that of" serves to equate a subject to a specific instance or quality, functioning as a precise descriptor. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use in various contexts. The phrase is especially favored in news and media, academic writing, and scientific discourse, where clear definitions and comparisons are essential. While authoritative, it is advisable to use simpler alternatives in informal settings. Understanding its function helps improve clarity and sophistication in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is synonymous with

Indicates that two terms or concepts have the same or nearly the same meaning.

is defined as

Offers a formal or precise explanation of the meaning or scope of something.

is tantamount to

Emphasizes that something is virtually equivalent to something else in its effect or significance.

consists of

Indicates the components or elements that make up something.

is reflective of

Shows that something mirrors or indicates the nature or quality of something else.

is characterized by

Highlights the distinguishing traits or features of something.

represents

Indicates that something stands for or symbolizes something else.

is exemplified by

Provides a clear instance or illustration of something.

embodies

Implies that something is a tangible or concrete expression of something else.

is akin to

Suggests a similarity or resemblance to something else.

FAQs

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

Use "is that of" to equate a subject to a specific example or characteristic. For example, "Her dedication "is that of" a seasoned professional."

What are some alternatives to "is that of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "consists of", "is defined as", or "is characterized by", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is that of" in writing?

It is most appropriate in formal or academic writing where a precise and clear definition or comparison is needed. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferable.

What's the difference between "is that of" and "is like"?

"Is that of" implies a direct equivalence or definition, while "is like" suggests a more general similarity or comparison. "Her work ethic "is that of" a machine" indicates a high level of productivity. "Her work ethic "is like" a machine" implies an analogy but not necessarily a perfect match.