marker of civilisation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marker of civilisation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a sign or indicator that signifies the presence or development of a civilization. Example: "The construction of aqueducts was a significant marker of civilisation in ancient Rome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But how it is drunk is also a marker of civilisation.

The Guardian - Opinion

If mastery over water is a marker of civilisation, then Mexico City is surely one of mankind's most spectacular achievements.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Public toilets are one of the markers of civilisation.

BBC

Wine is one of the markers of European civilisation; the same, I'm afraid, can't be said about the drink that contemporary teenagers put away so as to get drunk before they even leave home on a Friday.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a beacon of civilisation, a mark of what we as a country stand for.

Independent

A commentator for the Independent had called them the "clash-of-civilisations literary brigade".

The New Yorker

In the early 1990s he described himself as an "advocate of civilisation, definer of civilisation, teacher of the rules of civilisation…leader (possibly) of the civilising forces".

The Economist

Surely, the end of civilisation.

Independent

Research libraries preserve the record of civilisation.

The Economist

WHAT is the basis of civilisation?

The Economist

They suggest a failure of civilisation.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "marker of civilisation", ensure the context clearly establishes what aspects of civilisation are being referenced. Specificity enhances the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "marker of civilisation" to describe trivial achievements. The phrase carries a weight of societal and cultural significance, so reserve it for substantial advancements or characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marker of civilisation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a particular attribute, achievement, or characteristic as indicative of societal advancement. Ludwig confirms that this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "marker of civilisation" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as verified by Ludwig, employed to denote an attribute or achievement indicative of societal progress. Although its occurrence is rare, the phrase finds its primary context within News & Media, highlighting its significance in analytical and descriptive narratives. When deploying the phrase, it's crucial to ensure contextual clarity and avoid overgeneralization, reserving it for elements of genuine societal importance. Alternatives such as "hallmark of civilisation" or "indicator of societal progress" can offer nuanced expressions of the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hallmark of civilisation

Replaces "marker" with "hallmark", suggesting a distinguishing feature.

sign of civilisation

Substitutes "marker" with "sign", indicating an indicator.

indicator of societal progress

Replaces "civilisation" with "societal progress", focusing on advancement.

measure of cultural development

Replaces "civilisation" with "cultural development", highlighting growth.

evidence of advanced society

Emphasizes the proof of a developed society.

attribute of a civilised society

Focuses on the characteristics of a civilised society.

symbol of societal maturity

Highlights the maturity aspect of civilization.

benchmark of societal achievement

Suggests a standard against which societal success is measured.

reflection of cultural refinement

Emphasizes the polished and improved aspects of culture.

index of civilised values

Focuses on the values that define a civilisation.

FAQs

How can I use "marker of civilisation" in a sentence?

Use "marker of civilisation" to describe an achievement, invention, or value that signifies the advancement of a society. For example, "The development of written language is a significant "marker of civilisation"".

What is a good substitute for "marker of civilisation"?

Alternatives include "hallmark of civilisation", "sign of civilisation", or "indicator of societal progress", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean to say something is a "marker of civilisation"?

To say something is a "marker of civilisation" means it serves as a key indicator or characteristic of a society that has reached a certain level of cultural, technological, and social advancement.

Is it appropriate to use "marker of civilisation" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "marker of civilisation" is a somewhat formal phrase. In informal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "sign of progress" or "measure of development" for greater accessibility.