poster child

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'poster child' is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used as a metaphor to describe someone who is held up as a perfect example of a particular thing, usually a positive thing. For example, you could say, "Michael Jordan was the poster child for basketball in the 1990s."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The poster child for austerity.

The Guardian

"We're a poster child for adaptation".

Independent

"Sideways" is this season's poster child.

The New Yorker

"Jive is the poster child.

The New York Times - Tech

The poster child is Disneyland.

University of California, Berkeley

My mother was Emperor Hirohito's poster child.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Amazon is the poster child there.

The Washington Post

And yet, that's the poster child?

Harvard Business Review

"It's typically a poster child which stumbles".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Consider Air India, the poster-child for this policy.

The Economist

Warfarin is often considered the poster-child for pharmacogenomics research.

Human Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "poster child", ensure the context clearly establishes what the subject is exemplifying. Avoid vague or ambiguous connections.

Common error

Avoid using "poster child" sarcastically if the intended meaning could be misconstrued. Overusing it sarcastically can dilute its impact and create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poster child" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies someone or something as being representative of a particular quality or situation. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "poster child" is a noun phrase widely used to describe someone or something that serves as a representative example of a particular concept, quality, or issue. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in News & Media, as well as Formal & Business and Science contexts. While typically neutral in tone, it can be used both positively and negatively. For more formal settings, alternatives like "prime example" or "epitome" may be more appropriate. The phrase is not suitable for academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prime example

Focuses on the exemplification aspect, omitting the representative connotation.

shining example

Emphasizes the positive and exemplary nature of the subject.

textbook case

Highlights that the example is a typical or classic illustration.

epitome

Signifies the perfect example, the embodiment of something.

quintessential model

A more formal way of saying perfect example.

perfect illustration

Highlights the illustrative quality of the example.

classic instance

Suggests that the example is well-known and representative over time.

ideal representative

Stresses the role of representing a larger group or concept.

leading light

Emphasizes a positive and influential example.

gold standard

Implies the subject sets the benchmark for quality or achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "poster child" in a sentence?

You can use "poster child" to describe someone or something that is the best possible example of a particular quality or situation. For instance, "She is the "poster child" for successful entrepreneurs."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "poster child"?

Alternatives to "poster child" include "prime example", "shining example", or "textbook case" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "poster child" in formal writing?

While "poster child" is widely understood, it might be perceived as informal in certain academic or highly professional contexts. Consider using a more formal alternative like "prime example" or "epitome" in such situations.

Can "poster child" be used in a negative context?

Yes, "poster child" can be used in a negative context to describe someone or something that is the worst example of a particular problem or failing. For example, "That company is the "poster child" for corporate greed."