it is symptomatic of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is symptomatic of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is a sign or indication of a particular condition or situation. Example: "The rise in anxiety among students is symptomatic of the increasing pressures they face in today's academic environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Critics in Congress who have become aware of the 1995 deal, conceived in secrecy and at best only partly successful in achieving its goals, said it is symptomatic of flaws in Mr. Gore's approach to handling relations with Russia.

The New York Times

But its most interesting feature is not its uniqueness, but the fact that it is symptomatic of the absurdity of virtually all celebrity interviews.

The Guardian

It is symptomatic of existing insecurities.

The New York Times

It is symptomatic of the entire documentary.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It is symptomatic of a trend.

The Guardian - Film

And it is symptomatic of a broader trend.

The New York Times

It is symptomatic of a trend, I think.

The New Yorker

It is symptomatic of a kind of Google optimisation-inspired laziness in 21st-century Hollywood.

The Guardian - Film

It is symptomatic of the predictable backlash that certain women in the public eye inevitably face.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it is symptomatic of a global protection crisis, with climate change as one key component.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is symptomatic of the huge political miscalculation that the European political elite is making.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is symptomatic of", ensure that the connection between the symptom and the underlying issue is clear to your audience. Provide enough context so the reader understands the relationship you are drawing.

Common error

Avoid using "it is symptomatic of" when the connection between the observed behavior and the underlying issue is weak or speculative. Ensure there's a clear and logical link to support your claim, avoiding broad generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is symptomatic of" functions as a linking expression. It connects an observed phenomenon to an underlying condition or trend. As Ludwig shows, it serves to interpret a specific occurrence as an indicator of a broader issue. This is verified by Ludwig AI, which confirms that is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

19%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is symptomatic of" is a versatile expression used to connect specific occurrences to broader underlying issues. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Its frequency is classified as "very common", with prevalent usage in news, academic, and scientific domains. Alternatives like "it is indicative of" and "it is representative of" offer nuanced substitutes, while best practices emphasize clear connections between symptoms and underlying causes. While suitable for formal writing, one should avoid overstating the connection without evidence. Therefore, to use "it is symptomatic of" correctly, make sure the connection is logical and that the tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is indicative of

Similar in meaning, this phrase suggests that something serves as an indication or sign of something else.

it is characteristic of

Indicates that something is a typical or distinctive feature of something else.

it is representative of

Implies that something is a typical example or illustration of a larger trend or group.

it is demonstrative of

Suggests that something clearly shows or proves something else.

it is a sign of

A more direct and straightforward way of saying that something indicates something else.

it is evidence of

Indicates that something serves as proof or confirmation of something else.

it exemplifies

Indicates that something serves as a clear or typical example of something else.

it reflects

This phrase suggests that something mirrors or shows the nature of something else.

it highlights

Implies that something emphasizes or draws attention to a particular aspect or feature.

it betrays

Suggests that something unintentionally reveals or indicates something else.

FAQs

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

Use "it is symptomatic of" to indicate that something is a sign or indication of a particular problem or trend. For example, "The decline in voter turnout is symptomatic of widespread political apathy."

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

You can use alternatives like "it is indicative of", "it is representative of", or "it is a sign of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "it is symptomatic of" in formal writing?

Yes, "it is symptomatic of" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure that the tone and context align with the overall formality of your piece.

What's the difference between "it is symptomatic of" and "it is a result of"?

"It is symptomatic of" implies that something is a sign or indication of an underlying cause, while "it is a result of" indicates a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The first focuses on signs, the second on causality.