signature of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'signature of' is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used when referring to a person's signature as a written form of signing a document or letter, or to refer to the distinctive style of an artist, author, etc. For example, "This painting is an excellent example of Picasso's signature of abstract cubism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a signature of quality.

The Guardian - Film

It became a signature of his persona.

The New York Times - Sports

It is the signature of the osteochondrosis.

The New Yorker

This bacterium also carries a DNA signature of its origins.

The Guardian

This is the signature of the artisan who carved it.

The New York Times

The redundant torch was the Almodóvar signature of excess.

The New Yorker

First, however, it needs the signature of Gov. Gray Davis.

The New York Times

Below that is the signature of Donald Trump's father, Fred.

The Guardian - Music

The economic-reform program became the signature of Rafsanjani's Presidency.

The New Yorker

The Akhmim stele bore the gratifying signature of copper.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The second signature-of-Ratmansky feature is complication, fullness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's unique style or method, use "signature of" to highlight their distinctiveness, such as "The artist's use of vibrant colors is a signature of their work".

Common error

Avoid using "signature of" to describe general trends or common features that are not specifically linked to an individual's or entity's unique style. For example, instead of saying "High prices are a signature of inflation", consider saying "High prices are a sign of inflation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "signature of" functions primarily as a prepositional modifier. It connects a noun (like style, method, document) with another noun or noun phrase, indicating a characteristic, an endorsement, or an identifying mark. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "signature of" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote a distinctive characteristic, an official endorsement, or an identifying mark. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, appearing frequently in news, science, and formal business settings. While generally neutral to professional in register, it's important to avoid using it for general trends rather than specific attributes. Alternatives such as "hallmark of" or "mark of" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hallmark of

Emphasizes a distinctive characteristic or feature.

mark of

Highlights a noticeable feature or indication.

endorsement by

Indicates official approval or support.

approval of

Focuses on the act of formally accepting something.

characteristic of

Stresses a typical or distinctive quality.

authentication of

Highlights the process of verifying genuineness.

attestation of

Emphasizes formal declaration or confirmation.

validation by

Indicates that something has been officially confirmed.

imprimatur of

Suggests official license or approval.

handwriting of

Refers specifically to a person's style of writing.

FAQs

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

You can use "signature of" to describe a distinctive characteristic or style, such as "The intricate details are a signature of the artist's work" or to refer to an actual written signature, such as "The document requires the signature of the director".

What's the difference between "signature of" and "mark of"?

"Signature of" typically refers to a distinctive style or an actual signature, while "mark of" can indicate a more general sign or indication. For example, a scar might be a "mark of a past injury", not a "signature of" it.

What can I say instead of "signature of" when referring to a person's style?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "hallmark of", "characteristic of", or "trademark of" to describe someone's distinctive style.

Is it correct to use "signature of" to describe a general trend rather than a specific attribute?

While "signature of" is best used to describe distinctive characteristics, using it for a general trend may be less precise. Alternatives like "sign of" or "indication of" might be more appropriate in those cases.