of a spider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of a spider" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that belongs to or is associated with a spider, such as its web, behavior, or characteristics. Example: "The silk produced of a spider is known for its strength and elasticity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Illustration of a spider.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Especially when dealing with the endocrinology of a spider monkey.

The New York Times

Control being like the head of a spider.

The New Yorker

Strings scramble like the legs of a spider.

The Guardian - Music

"I got the coordination of a spider monkey".

The New York Times - Sports

The squashed remains of a spider were smeared across the insole.

The New York Times - Science

It is a sword ornament (possibly a pectoral ornament) in the form of a spider.

The Washington Post

It's like trying to clean out a small part of a spider web.

The New Yorker

But in Pakistan, one is part of a spider web of social relationships.

The New Yorker

The wires are so fine that they appear like the silk web of a spider.

Independent

(Ages 5 and up) 2 2 5 DIARY OF A SPIDER, by Doreen Cronin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "of a spider", ensure that the context clearly indicates what aspect of the spider is being referenced, such as its web, venom, or behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "of a spider" when a more specific term would be clearer. For instance, instead of "the web of a spider", consider simply "spiderweb".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of a spider" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating possession, origin, or association. It adds descriptive detail, as shown in Ludwig examples, like "the legs "of a spider"" or "the silk "of a spider"".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of a spider" is a versatile prepositional phrase widely used to denote association, origin, or characteristics linked to spiders. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While shorter alternatives like "spider's" or "spider silk" may sometimes be preferred for conciseness, "of a spider" provides a clear and descriptive way to specify aspects related to spiders, as demonstrated by the many real-world examples available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spider's

Uses a possessive form to indicate belonging or association, focusing on the spider as the owner.

belonging to a spider

Emphasizes ownership or possession by the spider.

relating to a spider

Indicates a connection or relevance to spiders in general.

characteristic of a spider

Highlights traits or qualities typically found in spiders.

typical of a spider

Focuses on behaviors or features that are commonly seen in spiders.

attributed to a spider

Implies that something is caused by or associated with the actions of a spider.

associated with spiders

Suggests a connection or relationship with spiders.

concerning a spider

Indicates the subject matter or focus is about spiders.

involving a spider

Implies the presence or participation of a spider in some event or situation.

from a spider

Indicates origin or source coming from a spider.

FAQs

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

The phrase "of a spider" is typically used to describe something that belongs to, originates from, or is characteristic of a spider. For instance, "the silk "of a spider" is incredibly strong".

What are some alternatives to "of a spider"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "spider's", "belonging to a spider", or "related to a spider".

Is it correct to say "silk of a spider" or "spider silk"?

"Spider silk" is generally more concise and commonly used. However, "silk "of a spider"" is grammatically correct, especially when emphasizing the spider's role in producing it.

What's the difference between "characteristic of a spider" and "typical of a spider"?

While similar, "characteristic "of a spider"" refers to a distinguishing feature, while "typical "of a spider"" refers to something commonly observed in spiders.