more than a term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more than a term" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has significance or meaning beyond just being a label or designation. Example: "For many, the word 'freedom' is more than a term; it represents a fundamental human right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It seems that "third world" has become little more than a term of abuse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Currently, many councils allow children to hang on to places after fraud has been found if they have been at a school for more than a term.

The Telegraph

It has never been an organized force with any top-down command and control — it's just a loose franchise outfit, little more than a term to sanitize the reality that most of the groups on the ground are independent militias that rarely take orders from the senior defectors and prominent armed civilians leading the F.S.A.

The New Yorker

Under a mandate from the trustees, the 11 senior colleges have already been reducing the amount of remediation they offer, and most now require that students who need more than a term or two of remedial work go to the community colleges.

The New York Times

It has never been an organized force with any top-down command and control it's just a loose franchise outfit, little more than a term to sanitize the reality that most of the groups on the ground are independent militias that rarely take orders from the senior defectors and prominent armed civilians leading the F.S.A.

The New Yorker

More than a term to describe a straightforward recipe to launch, I see it as an unconscious way to belittle an entire group of hard-charging founders and investors.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Mother-of-two Donna Thresher, from Southend in Essex, began her campaign in March 2013 when she found that a holiday at Centre Parcs would cost nearly four times more than a term-time break.

BBC

BP may be one of the world's biggest dividend payers, but pension funds are likely to curse disappointing growth in the long term more than a short-term cut to the dividend to cope with extraordinary oil-price fluctuations.

The Guardian - Business

Three years have passed – more than half a term in political office – and the stain remains, if anything deepening over time.

The Guardian - Opinion

At the start of the year she issued each student with five "jokers" which they play - no more than two a term - if they wish to be absent.

The Guardian

Certainly the discoveries of the students — there were never more than 30 a term — were matched by the discoveries of the teachers.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more than a term" when you want to emphasize that something has a deeper meaning or significance beyond its literal definition. It adds weight and importance to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "more than a term" in situations where the extra emphasis is unnecessary or sounds pretentious. Simple language is often more effective when the subject is not complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more than a term" functions as a qualifier, emphasizing that a concept or idea possesses significance beyond its dictionary definition. Ludwig examples show it's used to add weight to an idea or feeling. Ludwig AI validates its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more than a term" serves to highlight that a concept possesses a deeper significance than a simple definition. As Ludwig shows, it appears in diverse contexts ranging from News & Media to Academia and Wiki. While not overly frequent, Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is considered grammatically correct. Remember that while it is a powerful tool to add emphasis, it should be used carefully to avoid sounding pretentious. Alternative phrasing includes "beyond a mere phrase" or "not just a word".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond a mere phrase

Emphasizes the inadequacy of a phrase to capture the full meaning.

not just a word

Highlights that the concept carries a deeper significance than its lexical representation.

exceeds a simple label

Focuses on the idea that the subject's attributes go beyond what a label can convey.

more than just semantics

Suggests the issue involves practical implications or real-world effects.

greater than its definition

Implies that the term has a broader scope than its formal definition.

not merely a concept

Highlights the tangible or practical aspects of the idea in question.

more profound than a designation

Suggests a deeper, more meaningful significance.

transcends a definition

Implies that the idea extends beyond the limitations of its dictionary meaning.

more encompassing than terminology

Highlights the broad scope of something beyond simple vocabulary.

beyond a superficial expression

Emphasizes the deeper meaning surpassing a shallow articulation.

FAQs

What does it mean when something is "more than a term"?

When something is described as "more than a term", it suggests that its significance extends beyond a simple definition or label. It implies deeper meaning, importance, or impact.

How can I use "more than a term" in a sentence?

You can use "more than a term" to emphasize the profound nature of something. For example: "For many veterans, patriotism is "more than just a word"; it is a way of life."

What are some alternatives to using "more than a term"?

Alternatives include phrases like "beyond a mere phrase", "not just a word", or "exceeds a simple label", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "more than a term" or "just a term"?

The choice depends on the context. Use "more than a term" to highlight significance, and "just a term" to downplay or trivialize something.