representative of a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "representative of a" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that serves as an example or symbol of a larger group or category. Example: "The painting is representative of a new artistic movement that emphasizes abstraction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He's representative of a man".

The New York Times

"The last representative of a holy order.

The Guardian - Books

"You're only representative of a single issue.

The Guardian - Books

"Every color is representative of a state of mind".

The New York Times - Magazine

This case is perhaps representative of a larger tragedy.

The New York Times

They are representative of a wider trend within our industry.

The Guardian

They're representative of a great tradition of art".

The New York Times - Arts

And is this representative of a much-wider cultural shift?

Independent

"The client wanted something representative of a bullfight.

The New York Times

"Their dealings in this town are representative of a culture of corruption and abuse of power".

The New Yorker

At the time she seemed the last representative of a disappearing heritage of Italian sopranos.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "representative of a", ensure that the noun following "a" is singular and that it accurately reflects the larger group or concept being represented. For instance, "This study is representative of a broader trend in urban development".

Common error

Avoid using "representative of a" when the subject is not truly representative or is based on limited data. Make sure that you have enough information to support your claim; otherwise, it may lead to overgeneralizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "representative of a" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun serves as a symbol, example, or typical instance of something larger. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "representative of a" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to link a specific instance to a broader category or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and professional writing. The key is to ensure that the subject truly embodies the larger concept it's meant to exemplify, thereby avoiding overgeneralizations. By keeping these points in mind, you can effectively use "representative of a" to add depth and context to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an example of a

More specific, pinpointing instances.

typical of a

Focuses on being a typical instance rather than a representative in a formal sense.

illustrative of a

Underscores the explanatory nature of the instance.

symbolic of a

Emphasizes the symbolic nature rather than direct representation.

reflecting a

Describes how something mirrors or shows something else.

characteristic of a

Highlights specific traits that define something, instead of its role as a delegate.

mirrors a

Emphasizes the reflective characteristic of a particular aspect.

indicative of a

Suggests that something serves as an indicator or sign, rather than a direct representative.

a sign of a

Highlights the indicative nature, showing something's presence.

epitome of a

Implies being the perfect example, strongest emphasis.

FAQs

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

Use "representative of a" to indicate that something is typical or symbolic of a larger group or idea. For example, "This painting is representative of a new artistic movement".

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

"Representative of a" implies a formal or symbolic connection, while "typical of a" simply means commonly found or characteristic. The former suggests a deliberate selection or role.

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

No, the correct phrase is "representative of a". "Representative for" is used in different contexts, often related to acting on behalf of someone, not symbolizing a group.

What are some alternatives to "representative of a" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "symbolic of a", "indicative of a", or "an example of a".