mark of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mark of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a characteristic, sign, or indication of something, often implying a distinguishing feature or quality. Example: "The scar on his arm was a mark of his bravery during the war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a mark of Chicago.

The New York Times

Sleeping in became a mark of prestige.

The New York Times - Books

This was the lowest mark of 2012.

The New York Times

ARNOLD--Richard Mark, of Atlanta, GA.

The New York Times

Is it the mark of a warrior?

The New Yorker

"It's the mark of a survivor.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a mark of respect, really.

Independent

"This is the mark of our friendship.

The New York Times

What about "The Mark of Zorro"?

The Economist

As mark of courtesy.

The New York Times

The Mark of Zorro (1920) Forget Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mark of" to denote a defining characteristic or significant indicator. For instance, "Resilience is a mark of a successful entrepreneur."

Common error

Avoid using "mark of" when a more direct term like 'sign' or 'result' would be more appropriate. Saying "The stain was the mark of the spilled coffee" is technically correct, but "The stain was the result of the spilled coffee" is clearer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mark of" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative or appositive. As Ludwig AI indicates, it connects a quality or characteristic to a subject. Examples include "It's a mark of respect" or "That's the mark of a champion."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mark of" is a versatile and frequently used expression to signify a characteristic or indication. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, primarily appearing in news, media, and scientific writing. It functions as a noun phrase, attributing qualities to subjects. While "sign of" offers a close alternative, "mark of" often denotes a more inherent trait. To use it effectively, ensure it connects a defining characteristic appropriately, avoiding overly literal applications. By recognizing its nuances, writers can use "mark of" precisely to add clarity and depth to their expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sign of

Emphasizes the indicative nature, focusing on what something reveals.

indication of

Highlights the suggestive quality, pointing towards something else.

evidence of

Stresses the proof-like aspect, implying a factual basis.

hallmark of

Indicates a distinguishing characteristic or feature, often positive.

attribute of

Focuses on an inherent quality or characteristic.

characteristic of

Highlights a typical or distinctive feature.

feature of

Simply points out a notable aspect or element.

index of

Suggests a measurable or quantifiable indication.

token of

Implies a symbolic representation or gesture.

symbol of

Highlights the representative nature, standing for something else.

FAQs

What does "mark of" mean?

The phrase "mark of" signifies a characteristic, sign, or indication that distinguishes something or someone. It often implies a notable quality or attribute.

What can I say instead of "mark of"?

Alternatives to "mark of" include phrases like "sign of", "indication of", "evidence of", or "hallmark of", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

How do I use "mark of" in a sentence?

Use "mark of" to connect a characteristic to the thing it characterizes. For example, "Dedication is the mark of a true professional", meaning dedication is a defining trait of professionals.

Is there a difference between saying "sign of" and "mark of"?

While "sign of" and "mark of" are similar, "mark of" often implies a more inherent or defining characteristic, whereas "sign of" can simply indicate an occurrence or indication. For instance, "fever is a sign of illness", while "integrity is the mark of a leader".