of a saint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of a saint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing qualities, actions, or characteristics associated with a saint, often implying goodness or virtue. Example: "Her patience and kindness were truly of a saint, inspiring everyone around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Skeleton of a saint.

The New York Times

Louise was, however, something of a saint.

The New Yorker

Bol, doing the work of a saint, is largely ignored".

The New York Times

In fact, it required the patience of a saint.

Independent

Scott-Heron was nobody's idea of a saint.

Independent

Fortunately, Bane proved to be something of a saint.

The Guardian - Travel

But this is not a sculpture of a saint".

The New York Times

It is enough to make a cynic of a saint.

The Guardian - Opinion

Meanwhile, other worshippers slowly undress and then dress a statue of a saint.

The Economist

Who worships a chignon as if it were the icon of a saint?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He designed the logo himself, the head of a Saint Bernard surrounded by a collar with a crown on top.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing art, relics or historical accounts associated with a saint, use the phrase to provide historical or religious context to add depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "of a saint" lightly; reserve it for situations where the described attribute truly reflects exceptional virtue or moral standing to maintain the phrase's impact and avoid hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of a saint" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. It describes a characteristic or attribute that is associated with or resembles a saint. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of a saint" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to highlight exceptional virtue or saintly qualities. It appears most often in News & Media. The phrase enjoys a neutral to formal register, making it versatile for various contexts. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability, providing numerous real-world examples showcasing its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with the patience of a saint

Specifically refers to the attribute of patience that is often associated with saints.

like a saint

Uses a simile to compare someone or something to a saint, highlighting the saintly attributes in a comparative manner.

saintly

Direct adjective describing someone with qualities of a saint. It's a more concise way to attribute saint-like characteristics.

befitting a saint

Emphasizes that something is appropriate or suitable for a saint, often used to describe actions or qualities.

worthy of a saint

Highlights the merit or deservingness of someone or something in relation to the standards of a saint.

characteristic of a saint

Focuses on the typical traits or behaviors that define a saint, used to describe consistent patterns.

reminiscent of a saint

Suggests that something evokes or brings to mind the image or qualities of a saint, often in a nostalgic or appreciative way.

in the manner of a saint

Describes how something is done or performed, indicating a saintly approach or method.

bearing the hallmarks of a saint

Indicates that someone or something exhibits the distinctive characteristics that are typically associated with saints.

embodying the virtues of a saint

Highlights that someone or something personifies or represents the moral excellence and goodness associated with saints.

FAQs

How can I use "of a saint" in a sentence?

You can use "of a saint" to describe qualities or actions that resemble those of a saint, such as "Her patience was truly "of a saint" when dealing with difficult customers".

What are some alternatives to saying "of a saint"?

You can use alternatives like "saintly", "like a saint", or "with the patience of a saint" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "of a saint" in a formal context?

Yes, "of a saint" can be used in formal contexts to describe exceptional virtue or qualities. However, ensure the tone and context align with the formality.

What does it mean when someone is described as having the patience "of a saint"?

It means the person has an extraordinary amount of patience, far beyond what is normally expected or seen. This implies a high level of tolerance and composure in difficult situations.