paragon of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paragon of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that represents the perfect example or model of a particular quality or trait. Example: She was the paragon of grace and elegance, with her impeccable posture and sophisticated mannerisms.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The paragon of nitwittery?

The New York Times

Mr. Khodorkovsky is no paragon of virtue.

The New York Times

The region was a paragon of cruelty.

The Economist

The paragon of serious technique!

The Guardian - Film

He was no paragon of accessibility.

The New York Times

You might think Arthur would be a paragon of deportment.

The New York Times - Books

But gold has not been a paragon of stable value.

The New York Times

Apple has not been a paragon of corporate governance.

The New York Times

Still, AMC is hardly an unreserved paragon of creative freedom.

The New York Times

He is hailed as a paragon of timeless male beauty.

The New York Times

Enter that paragon of self-reliance, the entrepreneur.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "paragon of" to describe someone or something that perfectly embodies a particular quality or characteristic. For example: "She is the paragon of virtue."

Common error

Avoid using "paragon of" sarcastically or in contexts where the subject clearly lacks the quality being attributed. This can create confusion or undermine your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paragon of" functions as a modifier, typically used to emphasize the exemplary or ideal nature of a noun. It's used to highlight that the noun embodies a particular quality to the highest degree. Ludwig AI confirms this consistent application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, “paragon of” is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe someone or something that represents an ideal example. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common expression in English writing. It’s primarily used in the news, business and science domains, though occasionally surfaces in encyclopedias and wikis. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with its intention to convey admiration for a particular quality. Alternatives such as "epitome of" or "model of" can be used to express similar meanings. Be cautious of using the phrase in contexts where it is not fitting. With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources, the phrase “paragon of” is a reliable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

epitome of

Replaces "paragon" with "epitome", suggesting the most representative example.

model of

Substitutes "paragon" with "model", emphasizing a standard for imitation.

example of

Uses "example" in place of "paragon", denoting a typical instance.

ideal of

Replaces "paragon" with "ideal", stressing perfection as a goal.

standard of

Employs "standard" instead of "paragon", focusing on a level of quality.

embodiment of

Replaces "paragon" with "embodiment", highlighting the physical expression of a quality.

perfect example of

Expands the phrase to explicitly state "perfect example", adding emphasis.

prime example of

Uses "prime example" to denote a leading or best instance.

gold standard of

Introduces "gold standard", suggesting the highest level of excellence.

archetype of

Replaces "paragon" with "archetype", indicating a prototype or original model.

FAQs

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

Use "paragon of" to describe someone or something that represents the perfect example of a particular quality. For example, "He is the paragon of courage".

What are some alternatives to "paragon of"?

Alternatives include "epitome of", "model of", or "example of", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a paragon for" instead of "paragon of"?

While "paragon" can sometimes be followed by "for", it has a different meaning. "Paragon of" indicates the perfect example of something, whereas "paragon for" suggests a model for others to follow.

What is the difference between "paragon of virtue" and simply "virtuous"?

"Paragon of virtue" implies someone is the perfect or ultimate example of virtue, whereas "virtuous" simply means they possess virtue. The former is a stronger statement.