serve as a foil

USAGE SUMMARY

'serve as a foil' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a character in a book, movie, or play that provides a contrast to another character, either as a foil who highlights a different aspect of the other character or as a rival. For example, in Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, Mercutio serves as a foil for Romeo. He is Romeo's friend, but is much wilder and more impulsive than Romeo, often adding a comedic note to otherwise somber scenes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

(Scalia occasionally chose an outstanding liberal clerk, to serve as a foil).

The New Yorker

A local clergyman (Jeremy Northam) comes around to serve as a foil for his neighbor and to incarnate both the benevolence and the obtuseness of religious custom.

The New York Times

Her observations are borne out in several large color photographs at Team, set on cliffs and in caves, that serve as a foil to the black and whites.

The New York Times - Arts

For instance, the members of the Butterton family, and their ardor for butter, serve as a foil for the modern product.

The New York Times

But some of her caprices seem to be less the result of her own volatile, unpredictable temperament than of the narrative requirement that she serve as a foil.

The New York Times

They might serve as a foil to Republicans and President Bush, who would be looking for someone to share the blame.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Slices of juicy navel oranges served as a foil to the spicy heat.

The New York Times - Food

Go-go Sadik serves as a foil to his increasingly idealistic roommate.

The New Yorker

The strange public figure who served as a foil for both Taylor Swift and George W. Bush?

The New Yorker

Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who served as a foil to Trump and called him "dangerous," passed away in August.

The Washington Post

The lower chamber of Congress has frequently served as a foil for Presidential candidates trying to distance themselves from the more radical elements in their party.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serve as a foil", ensure that the contrasting elements are clearly defined to effectively highlight the intended qualities or characteristics.

Common error

Avoid using "serve as a foil" when the intention is to show similarity or agreement. The phrase is specifically for highlighting differences and contrasts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serve as a foil" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone or something provides a contrast to another, highlighting their distinct characteristics. As Ludwig AI points out, it's commonly used in literary analysis and character studies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serve as a foil" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a person or thing that contrasts with and so emphasizes and enhances the qualities of another. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts, particularly in literary analysis and character development. It is important to use this phrase when highlighting differences, and to avoid using it when describing similarities. Alternatives like "act as a contrast" or "provide a counterpoint" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that the goal is to illuminate specific traits through juxtaposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act as a contrast

Emphasizes the contrasting nature of the comparison.

provide a counterpoint

Highlights the idea of offering a contrasting element.

highlight differences

Focuses on making dissimilarities more apparent.

offer a contrast

Directly indicates the presentation of a contrasting element.

present a different perspective

Emphasizes the provision of an alternative viewpoint.

act as a complement

Suggests a balancing or completing function, through contrast.

stand in opposition

Highlights the opposing or conflicting nature.

create a distinction

Focuses on establishing a clear difference.

underscore differences

Emphasizes and draws attention to existing distinctions.

function as a complement

Suggests how something could serve to complete or enhance another element.

FAQs

How can I use "serve as a foil" in a sentence?

You can use "serve as a foil" to describe how one character's traits contrast with another's, like "In 'Hamlet', Laertes "serves as a foil" to Hamlet, highlighting Hamlet's indecisiveness with his own impulsive actions."

What does it mean when a character "serves as a foil"?

When a character "serves as a foil", it means their qualities contrast with another character's, emphasizing the other character's traits through the contrast.

What can I say instead of "serve as a foil"?

You can use alternatives like "act as a contrast", "provide a counterpoint", or "highlight differences" depending on the context.

How does a character "serving as a foil" affect the story?

A character "serving as a foil" can deepen our understanding of the protagonist or other key characters by emphasizing their unique qualities through contrast.