is that of a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is that of a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare or describe something in relation to a specific example or category. Example: "The quality of the painting is that of a master artist, showcasing exceptional skill and technique."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The phrase "without interference" is that of a political naif.

The New Yorker

His technique is that of a collagist.

The Guardian - Music

"My view is that of a player.

The Guardian - Sport

The structure is that of a triptych.

The New Yorker

A helpful analogy is that of a sick tree.

The Guardian

The effect is that of a 1940's radio drama.

The New York Times - Arts

The only sound is that of a blackbird.

The Guardian

The over-all effect is that of a Leonardo codex.

The New Yorker

It is that of a mustachioed, balding, middle-aged man.

The Guardian

Paul's voice is that of a spoiled confessional.

The New York Times - Books

Your role is that of a scientific peer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is that of a" to draw clear comparisons or analogies, enhancing understanding and clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is that of a" when directly defining something. It's better suited for comparisons than straightforward definitions. Instead of saying 'A cat is that of a feline', say 'A cat is a feline'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is that of a" functions as a linking phrase, establishing a relationship of comparison, similarity, or equivalence between two entities. As demonstrated in Ludwig, it connects a subject to a characteristic example or category, providing context and enhancing understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is that of a" serves as a versatile linking phrase, primarily used to draw comparisons and establish similarities across various contexts. As validated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely employed, particularly in news and media, as well as in scientific writing. While suitable for formal contexts, avoid overusing it in direct definitions. Alternatives like "resembles that of a" or "is akin to a" can offer nuanced variations. By understanding its function and application, you can effectively incorporate "is that of a" into your writing to enhance clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resembles that of a

Indicates a similarity in appearance or qualities.

is akin to a

Replaces "that of" with "akin to", implying a similarity or resemblance.

mirrors that of a

Suggests a close resemblance or mirroring effect.

is comparable to a

Highlights the similarity between two things.

is typical of a

Highlights a common or representative example.

is equivalent to a

Indicates that two things are essentially the same in value or function.

is representative of a

Suggests that something serves as a sample or instance.

is characteristic of a

Focuses on defining qualities or traits.

exhibits the qualities of a

Emphasizes the presence of specific qualities or traits.

is in the style of a

Emphasizes a particular style or manner.

FAQs

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

Use "is that of a" to compare or categorize something with a well-known example. For example, "The dedication of the team is that of a championship contender."

What are some alternatives to "is that of a"?

You can use alternatives like "is akin to a", "resembles that of a", or "is comparable to a" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "is that of a" in formal writing?

Yes, "is that of a" is appropriate for formal writing when used to draw comparisons or analogies. Ensure the comparison is clear and relevant to your overall point.

What's the difference between "is that of a" and "is similar to"?

"Is that of a" implies a more direct comparison or categorization, while "is similar to" suggests a resemblance without necessarily implying equivalence. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended relationship.