significant symbol

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant symbol" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to refer to a symbol that holds great meaning or importance in a particular context, such as literature, art, or social studies. Example: "In the novel, the red rose serves as a significant symbol of love and passion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

For Mr. Sciorra, preserving the site helps safeguard a significant symbol of local Italian-American history.

The New York Times

He became organized crime's most significant symbol of resistance to law enforcement since Al Capone in Chicago 60 years earlier.

The New York Times

The Cup, hockey's most significant symbol, came from a simpler time, giving it a Gilded Age grandiosity.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Gotti became organized crime's most significant symbol of resistance to law enforcement since Al Capone in Chicago 60 years earlier.

The New York Times

Administration officials said they understood that for many Americans the ban on assassinations was a significant symbol of the nation's role as a standard-bearer of ethical conduct.

The New York Times

North Korea has ordered a military takeover of an industrial complex that was the last significant symbol of cooperation with South Korea, calling Seoul's withdrawal from the jointly run plant a "dangerous declaration of war".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

These are significant symbols for Christianity.

The New York Times

It is therefore by means of language, the use of "significant symbols," that mind emerges.

Britannica

The crest of the flower or the pattern of the lichen may or may not be significant symbols.

The New Yorker

He invites the viewer to decipher hieroglyphs that "aren't vague marks but significant symbols... a vocabulary which few comprehend except the bureaucrats who invented them".

The New York Times - Books

The work seemed to stare down the World Trade Center, one of New York's significant symbols of power, and force the viewer to confront difficult questions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "significant symbol", ensure the context clearly establishes what the symbol represents and why it's considered significant. Avoid ambiguity by providing enough detail for your audience to understand the symbol's importance.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience understands the significance of a symbol. Instead of merely labeling something a "significant symbol", elaborate on its meaning and relevance within the specific context you are discussing. Failing to do so can lead to confusion and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant symbol" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'significant' modifies the noun 'symbol'. It is used to identify a symbol that carries substantial meaning or importance. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant symbol" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize the importance and representational value of a symbol. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across diverse fields like news, science, and general knowledge. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to clearly explain the meaning behind a ""significant symbol"" to prevent ambiguity and ensure your audience grasps its importance. Alternatives like ""meaningful emblem"" or ""key representation"" offer subtle shifts in tone, enabling nuanced expression. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively wield the power of ""significant symbol"" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meaningful emblem

Replaces "significant" with "meaningful" and "symbol" with "emblem", altering the tone slightly while maintaining the core meaning.

important signifier

Substitutes "significant" with "important" and "symbol" with "signifier", introducing a more technical or semiotic term.

key representation

Replaces the adjective with "key" and the noun with "representation", simplifying the language.

notable token

Uses "notable" for "significant" and "token" for "symbol", offering a slightly more formal tone.

prominent marker

Employs "prominent" instead of "significant" and "marker" for "symbol", emphasizing visibility and indication.

crucial indicator

Substitutes "significant" with "crucial" and "symbol" with "indicator", highlighting necessity and direction.

central figure

Changes the term to imply a person or concept of great importance rather than a general sign.

powerful image

Focuses on the visual impact and strength of the representation, rather than its symbolic depth.

essential element

Shifts the meaning toward an indispensable component within a larger system or idea.

defining characteristic

Replaces the concept of a symbol with a feature that uniquely identifies something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "significant symbol" in a sentence?

To effectively use "significant symbol", clearly identify the symbol and explain its importance or the meaning it conveys within the specific context. For instance, "In the novel, the recurring image of the ocean serves as a "significant symbol" of freedom and the unknown".

What are some alternatives to "significant symbol"?

Alternatives to "significant symbol" include "meaningful emblem", "important signifier", or "key representation", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

How does "significant symbol" differ from "mere symbol"?

"Significant symbol" implies that the symbol holds a deep or important meaning, while "mere symbol" suggests that the symbol is superficial or lacks substantial significance. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the symbol's importance or dismiss it as trivial.

Is it redundant to say "significant symbol", since symbols are inherently meaningful?

While symbols are generally intended to represent something, using "significant symbol" emphasizes that the symbol carries a particularly important or profound meaning. It helps to highlight its importance within a specific context, clarifying that it's not just any symbol, but one with noteworthy relevance.