it is a work of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is a work of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a piece of art, literature, or any creative endeavor, indicating its nature or category. Example: "The novel is not just a story; it is a work of profound insight into human nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is a work of architectural heritage of world renown and its influence on 20th Century architecture is immeasurable.

BBC

It is a work of short fiction.

The New Yorker

It is a work of genius.

Independent

It is a work of vulnerable sincerity.

The Guardian - Books

It is a work of exceptional quality.

The Guardian - Arts

Because it is a work of genius.

The Guardian - Music

It is a work of subcutaneous potency.

The Guardian - Film

It is a work of high artistry.

The New York Times

"It is a work of public sculpture".

The New York Times - Arts

In other words, it is a work of art.

The New York Times

To me, it is a work of genius.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "it is a work of" to denote a significant level of craftsmanship, artistry, or intellectual effort in the subject you are describing. For instance, "This novel is not just a story; it is a work of literature."

Common error

Avoid using "it is a work of" for everyday objects or actions that do not inherently possess artistic or intellectual merit. This phrase is best reserved for subjects demonstrating exceptional qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a work of" serves as a descriptive and evaluative expression. It functions to categorize and attribute a specific quality (e.g., artistry, genius, sincerity) to a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is a work of" is a versatile phrase used to describe something possessing significant qualities, particularly in terms of artistry, skill, or intellectual effort. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across different contexts, especially in news and media. While the phrase is generally suitable for neutral to formal settings, reserve it for subjects genuinely deserving of such high praise. Alternatives like "it is a piece of" or "it exemplifies" may offer more nuanced options in certain scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it represents a piece of

Focuses on representation rather than creation.

it is essentially a

Reduces the subject to its most fundamental or defining characteristic.

it is best described as a

Offers an interpretation of the subject's nature or category.

it can be regarded as a

Presents a subjective viewpoint on how the subject should be viewed.

it constitutes an example of

Emphasizes that the subject is an instance or illustration of something broader.

it exemplifies a type of

Highlights that the subject serves as a particularly good instance of its kind.

it qualifies as a

Indicates that the subject meets the criteria to be considered something.

it embodies a form of

Highlights the tangible representation of an abstract concept.

it is a manifestation of

Suggests a revealing or demonstrating of something.

it functions as a

Focuses on the purpose or role the subject fulfills.

FAQs

How can I use "it is a work of" in a sentence?

Use "it is a work of" to describe something that shows considerable skill, effort, or creativity. For example, "The Sistine Chapel ceiling is a work of unparalleled artistic genius."

What are some alternatives to "it is a work of"?

Alternatives include "it is a piece of", "it is an example of", or "it is a creation of", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to describe everyday objects as "it is a work of"?

While technically grammatically correct, describing ordinary items with "it is a work of" may sound pretentious or hyperbolic. Reserve this phrase for items with significant artistic, intellectual, or historical value.

What distinguishes "it is a work of art" from "it is art"?

"It is art" is a more general statement, while "it is a work of art" emphasizes the craftsmanship, effort, and skill involved in creating the piece. The latter suggests a higher degree of intentionality and artistry.