symbol of affection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "symbol of affection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object or gesture that represents love or fondness between individuals. Example: "A heart-shaped pendant is often seen as a symbol of affection between partners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

By the early 19th century "fancy valentines" – once a home-made symbol of affection – were being manufactured en masse.

Independent

It's a symbol of affection and nothing more.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For example, at the beginning of On Interpretation, he claims that "spoken sounds are symbols of affections [or concepts] in the soul, and written marks symbols of spoken sounds.

SEP

Her dependent status in relation to the adjacent portrait of her husband is signaled by the carnation she holds up — a symbol of marital affection.

Los Angeles Times

"Of course, arrows are also commonly associated with Cupid, the Roman god of love, so it is often used as a symbol of passion, affection, or love.

Huffington Post

No one loves their spouse or significant other because of a generous valentine gift; rather it is a symbol of ongoing affection.

Huffington Post

It is a heartfelt symbol of gratitude and affection.

The New York Times

Lesbian kissing is more often than not viewed as specialist porn rather than a symbol of love and affection, but not so the footage captured on YouTube and newspapers of petty officers Marissa Gaeta and her partner Citlalic Snell.

The Guardian - Opinion

As expected, she was far more nuanced … Queen Elizabeth is welcome as a remarkable woman in her own right, as a figure to whom a significant minority on this island give allegiance and, above all, as a symbol of the mutual affection and common interests of two separate but closely connected countries".

The Guardian

My father was a big collector of contemporary art, he had lots of things that were worth more, but this object has so much worth of symbol and affection.

The New York Times

Even as Bleicken notes – without comment – that Augustus dedicated his magnificent Ara Pacis (the Altar to Peace) on Livia's birthday, almost 30 years later, he doesn't seem to appreciate that the date might be a symbol of the emperor's affection for his wife, and of her considerable influence.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "symbol of affection" to clearly communicate that something represents a feeling of love or fondness, ensuring the context provides clarity on what the symbol is and who it connects.

Common error

Avoid using "symbol of affection" when the intent is merely to show politeness or respect without genuine fondness. Affection implies a deeper emotional connection than simple courtesy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "symbol of affection" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase correctly and effectively conveys the idea of something representing love or fondness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "symbol of affection" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe something representing love or fondness. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase conveys the idea of something acting as a representation of deeper emotions. While it is not extremely frequent, the phrase is commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the specific symbol and the connection it represents. Consider alternatives like "token of love" or "gesture of fondness" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

token of love

This alternative emphasizes the 'love' aspect more directly than "affection".

gesture of fondness

Replaces "symbol" with a direct action and "affection" with a gentler emotion.

expression of love

Focuses on the act of expressing love rather than the representation.

sign of endearment

Highlights the quality of inspiring affection and love.

mark of attachment

Stresses the bond or connection being represented.

emblem of care

Substitutes "affection" with the feeling of caring.

representation of fondness

More formal and elaborate way to convey a similar meaning.

indicator of love

Highlights the role of pointing to or suggesting love.

demonstration of warmth

Emphasizes the feeling of warmth and positive emotion.

exhibition of tenderness

Focuses on the gentle and caring aspect of the emotion.

FAQs

How can I use "symbol of affection" in a sentence?

You can use "symbol of affection" to describe something that represents love or fondness, such as "A heart-shaped locket is often used as a "symbol of affection" between partners".

What are some alternatives to "symbol of affection"?

Alternatives include "token of love", "gesture of fondness", or "expression of love", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "sign of affection" instead of "symbol of affection"?

Yes, "sign of affection" is a correct and similar phrase. While a "symbol of affection" represents or stands for affection, a "sign of affection" indicates or shows affection. Both can be used depending on the context.

What's the difference between "symbol of affection" and "public display of affection"?

"Symbol of affection" refers to an object or gesture that represents feelings of love or fondness. "Public display of affection" is the act of showing affection in public, such as kissing or holding hands.