of the category

USAGE SUMMARY

"of the category" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to talk about a specific group or type of something that can be divided into categories. For example, "This new recipe is one of the most delicious dishes of the category."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But German jurists refused to make use of the category.

The New Yorker

Technology inflated the size of the category".

The New York Times - Tech

It's a good example of the category.

The New York Times

Agvalue is representative of the category combination.

Columbia University

Plenty of places reinforced my distrust of the category.

The New York Times

Which raises another sticking point for critics of the category.

The New York Times - Arts

Does Gatorade's control of the category daunt Cadbury Schweppes or Y & R San Francisco?

The New York Times

We have heard government lawyers argue for dramatic expansion of the category of enemy combatants.

The New York Times

So we impute all this extra stuff in our minds that's part of the category.

The New York Times

But the success of the category, especially among younger drinkers, has brought many new entries.

The New York Times

"Less than half of them are well done," she said of the category.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "of the category", ensure the category itself is clearly defined and understood by your audience. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "of the category" when the category is poorly defined or excessively broad. For example, saying "a problem of the life category" lacks precision compared to "a problem of the financial life category."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of the category" functions primarily as a post-modifier, clarifying the type or classification something belongs to. As Ludwig suggests, it is used to specify a particular grouping. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, from defining player types in sports to classifying art.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of the category" serves as a useful tool for specifying the group or type that something belongs to. As Ludwig highlights, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various domains. Its function is primarily as a post-modifier, clarifying the nature and classification of the item being described. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility, with occurrences in scientific papers, news articles, and academic texts, which is proof of it being used in a variety of contexts. While suitable for formal communication, it is broadly applicable across professional, scientific, and general registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within the category

Changes the preposition to "within", emphasizing containment rather than general association.

in the category of

Adds the word "in", specifying the encompassing class more explicitly.

belonging to the category

Uses the verb "belonging" to highlight membership within the category.

part of the category

Specifies that something is a component or element of the category.

characteristic of the category

Focuses on traits or features that define or are typical of the category.

typical of the category

Highlights what is usual or representative for the category.

representative of the category

Indicates that something serves as an example or model for the category.

related to the category

Suggests a connection or association with the category, without necessarily being a member.

associated with the category

Similar to "related to", implying a connection or link.

falling under the category

Indicates that something is classified or grouped within the category.

FAQs

How can I use "of the category" in a sentence?

You can use "of the category" to specify that something belongs to a certain group or type. For example, "This product is the best "of the category"." or "That trait is typical "of the category"."

What is a good alternative to "of the category"?

Depending on the context, alternatives could include "within the category", "in the category of", or "belonging to the category".

Is it better to use "in the category" or "of the category"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "in the category of" is often used to define the type or class, while ""of the category"" specifies something is a member or characteristic of that category. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something is called "the best of the category"?

It means that among all items or entities that fit into that category, that particular one is considered the highest quality or most outstanding.