mark of class

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mark of class" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a characteristic or feature that signifies a certain social status or level of sophistication. Example: "The designer handbag she carried was a clear mark of class, setting her apart from the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If Williams makes it 16 in a row against the Russian, it will be her 100th career win against a top-five player, the true mark of class in tennis.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Such art "has always been the mark of a Class A developer and property," she said.

The New York Times

If the mark of a class society is that positions in the social hierarchy are passed along from generation to generation, then the society that satisfies the FEO ideal is classless in so far as parents can pass along advantages to their children only by genetic inheritance and by socialization that instills ambition.

SEP

Calling it something else just for same sex couples implies that the parallel institution is a mark of second class citizenship.

Huffington Post

Oral administration of honokiol significantly inhibited the growth of subcutaneous tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice, which was associated with the induction of apoptotic cell death and marked inhibition of class I HDACs proteins and HDAC activity in the tumor xenograft tissues.

Epigenetics

The Sotomayor family moved in when it had been open just two years, and when living in public housing was considered a mark of working-class pride.

The New York Times

Because of the historic disparagement of gay persons, the retention of a distinction in nomenclature by which the term "marriage" is withheld only from the family relationship of same-sex couples is all the more likely to cause the new parallel institution that has been established for same-sex couples to be considered a mark of second-class citizenship... .. Did you get that?

Huffington Post

The wave of populism marks the return of class as a central agency in politics, both in the UK and the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ruppert himself had been put off by Huggins' wool cap and practice of smoking pipes in public, which he felt was the mark of the working class.

Wikipedia

That's not exactly the mark of a world-class city.

The New York Times

If the mark of a top-class jockey is an ability to recognise a problem in the heat of battle and act fast to solve it, then James Doyle unquestionably has what it takes.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mark of class" when you want to emphasize that a specific trait or behavior is indicative of high quality or sophistication.

Common error

Avoid using "mark of class" in very casual or informal settings, as it can sound pretentious or out of place. Opt for simpler, more direct language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mark of class" typically functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or appositive. It describes a characteristic or attribute that signifies superior quality or sophistication, as Ludwig shows.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mark of class" is a phrase used to denote a distinctive sign of excellence or sophistication. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, albeit rare. While suitable for neutral to formal registers, it should be used judiciously to avoid pretension. Alternatives such as "hallmark of excellence" or "sign of distinction" may be more appropriate depending on the context. By understanding its usage and connotations, writers can effectively employ "mark of class" to add depth and nuance to their prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hallmark of excellence

Emphasizes the superior quality associated with the subject.

sign of distinction

Highlights the unique and notable quality.

indicator of status

Focuses on the phrase as a signal of social or professional ranking.

badge of honor

Suggests a characteristic that is proudly displayed.

attribute of quality

Highlights the inherent good qualities.

symbol of elegance

Implies sophistication and refined taste.

characteristic of refinement

Focuses on the polished and cultured aspect.

evidence of sophistication

Highlights the cultivated and worldly nature.

measure of merit

Suggests a standard by which something is judged.

criterion of worth

Indicates a basis for determining value or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "mark of class" in a sentence?

You can use "mark of class" to describe something that signifies a high level of quality or sophistication. For example, "Her impeccable manners were a "mark of class"."

What's a good substitute for "mark of class"?

Alternatives include "hallmark of excellence", "sign of distinction", or "symbol of elegance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "mark of class" formal or informal?

"Mark of class" leans towards the formal side but can be used in neutral contexts as well. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

How does "mark of class" differ from "sign of quality"?

"Mark of class" often implies a certain level of sophistication and social standing, whereas "sign of quality" simply indicates that something is well-made or reliable.