modernism

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modernism" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing art, literature, architecture, or cultural movements that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. An example: "The novel is a prime example of modernism, breaking traditional narrative forms." Alternative expressions include "contemporary movement" and "avant-garde."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A collection of essays on Dante by modern poets, it begins with Ezra Pound and T.S. Eliot, the founders of English modernism, who between them did more than anyone to keep Dante on the up-to-date poet's reading-list.

The Economist

The reticent producer cut his teeth running similarly toned, small, dark basement events in Bristol, so he'll be right at home with City Bass's back-to-basics ethos, and his focused, skilful mixing of rarely heard 90s NY house'n'garage with prime UK modernism will put everyone in the right headspace to get down.

The Guardian - Music

It soon became a private mall, but the architecture endures, a lost vision of public modernism.

The Guardian - Arts

But Jonathan needs to do more to facilitate modernism in poorer states: he gets a C. On healthcare, Jonathan gets an F. If a Nigerian gets cancer today and can't afford private treatment, he will die.

The Guardian - Opinion

This compact, beautiful, bourgeois, capital was the cynosure of many currents of modernism.

The Guardian - Arts

The Vatican entertained a rather ambiguous relationship to these parties: they were accused of "modernism" if they seemed to move too close to an actual endorsement of democracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Labour party should not be so eager to embrace modernism in lieu of valuable proven experience.

The Guardian

Jackson Pollock, to name but one giant of modernism, is a pre-eminent example – he was a shockingly inept draughtsman – but there are dozens of others.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He detested the shallowness and artificial obscurity of European-born intellectual fashions such as post-modernism and structuralism.

The Economist

Today, in the ultimate proof that post-modernism has eaten itself, the hotel is now a museum dedicated to the hotel.

The Economist

Connie's conundrum Home truths from the Barbershop Just step this way On the sixth day, post-modernism Mephistopheles and the Torch ReprintsThe political world is less interested in the whys and wherefores of Mr Torricelli's fall than in what happens next.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "modernism", be specific about the discipline (e.g., architecture, literature, art) to avoid ambiguity. State clearly which aspect of "modernism" you are referencing to ensure clarity in your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "modernism" and "modernity" interchangeably. "Modernism" refers to specific artistic and cultural movements, while "modernity" describes the broader social and technological changes associated with the modern era.

Linguistic Context

The noun "modernism" functions primarily as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it describing artistic, cultural, or intellectual movements. It often appears in contexts discussing art history or cultural change, consistently referring to a specific period and set of ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Arts

25%

Books

9%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modernism" is a noun that refers to a set of artistic, cultural, and intellectual movements from the late 19th and 20th centuries. Ludwig AI confirms that its use is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in news, arts, and books, with a tendency toward neutral and formal registers. Key to effective usage is differentiating "modernism" from "modernity" and specifying the relevant discipline to avoid ambiguity. Remember it may be useful to replace it sometimes with "modern thought", "contemporary style", or "avant-garde movement" to provide nuance, depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modern thought

Focuses on the intellectual and philosophical aspects of modernism.

contemporary style

Emphasizes the aesthetic elements associated with modernism.

avant-garde movement

Highlights the innovative and experimental nature of modernism.

new artistic trends

Broader term referring to any emerging artistic styles.

twentieth-century art

Specifies a time period associated with modernism.

innovative design

Focuses on the element of novelty in the design field.

progressive ideas

Underlines the forward-thinking nature of modernism.

radical approaches

Emphasizes the revolutionary characteristics of the concept.

contemporary sensibilities

Refers to the emotional and intellectual attitudes of the present.

modern outlook

Focuses on the perspective and attitude towards modernity.

FAQs

How can I use "modernism" in a sentence?

"Modernism" is used to describe a range of artistic, architectural, literary, and cultural movements. For example, "The exhibition showcased key works of European "modernism"." or "Her novels are heavily influenced by literary "modernism"".

What is the difference between "modernism" and "modernity"?

"Modernism" refers to specific artistic and cultural movements of the late 19th and 20th centuries, while "modernity" describes the broad social, economic, and technological transformations associated with the modern era. They are related but not interchangeable concepts.

What are some key characteristics of "modernism"?

Key characteristics of "modernism" include experimentation, abstraction, rejection of traditional forms, and a focus on subjective experience. It often reflects a sense of disillusionment and alienation in the face of rapid social change.

Which art movements are considered part of "modernism"?

Several art movements are considered part of "modernism", including Cubism, Futurism, Expressionism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. These movements share a common desire to break away from traditional artistic conventions.