symbol of class

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "symbol of class" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object, behavior, or characteristic that signifies social status or class distinction. Example: "The luxury car parked in front of the mansion was a clear symbol of class among the affluent neighborhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"And hunting is a symbol of class.

The New Yorker

Most people wore toppers in the 1830s; it wasn't a symbol of class, explains one.

The Guardian

Soccer, in other words, paved the way for upward social mobility, rather than being the symbol of class entrenchment.

The Guardian - Money

Instead, take the gong in the spirit in which it was offered: as a divisive symbol of class warfare.

The Guardian

To critics, Gillette writes, Tananbaum has "become the Google Bus" of Burning Man — a symbol of class division, and an affront to the festival's utopian founding principles.

The New Yorker

At the end of Conrad's first draft, Walter became an inadvertent symbol of class protest at a meeting of the G8, and wound up onstage singing with Rage Against the Machine.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Why a pledge to the queen, when not only is she, as Roy Greenslade observes, the symbol of class-based division, but is also largely irrelevant to most of us and does nothing to focus on our common values?

The Guardian - Opinion

And so it was one of those basic symbols of class difference, something that helped me to better understand the various layers of society in Calcutta, and the contrast that exists in that city, between extreme poverty and privilege.

The New Yorker

As it happens, the development of the course is causing Ferry Point Park to stand as one of the more egregious symbols of class division in a city already so famously replete with them.

The New York Times

Other writings of the period include Symbols of Class Status (1951) and On Cooling the Mark Out (1952).

Wikipedia

For the Edwardses, French seems to function as a symbol of the class they don't belong to.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "symbol of class", ensure the context clearly defines the specific class being referenced (e.g., "symbol of the working class" versus "symbol of upper class privilege").

Common error

Avoid using "symbol of class" without specifying which class. The phrase becomes vague and loses impact if the class context isn't clearly established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "symbol of class" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is used to identify something that represents a social class or the system of social hierarchy. For instance, 'hunting is a symbol of class.'

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "symbol of class" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote an object, idea, or action that represents a particular social class or the broader system of social stratification. According to Ludwig, its usage, while not extremely common, is authoritative, primarily appearing in news and media contexts to analyze and critique social dynamics. It is crucial to specify the class being symbolized to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "marker of social status" or "indicator of social standing". This phrase serves to categorize and comment on the representatives of social classes, highlighting distinctions and inequalities within society.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marker of social status

Replaces 'symbol' with 'marker' and 'class' with 'social status', emphasizing the indicative nature of the phrase.

indicator of social standing

Similar to 'marker of social status', focusing on the position within a social hierarchy.

representation of class division

Highlights the divisive aspect of class distinctions, using 'representation' instead of 'symbol'.

emblem of social stratum

Uses more formal vocabulary ('emblem', 'stratum') to denote class.

signifier of socioeconomic status

Emphasizes the economic dimension of class, using 'signifier' to mean indicator.

reflection of hierarchical position

Focuses on the ranking aspect of class, using 'reflection' to convey representation.

manifestation of social rank

Highlights the outward display of class, using 'manifestation' to indicate visibility.

expression of class identity

Shifts the focus to the feeling of belonging of a certain class.

token of social hierarchy

Implies a smaller, almost physical object that reminds of social rank.

attribute of class distinction

Focuses on specific qualities of characteristics associated with class.

FAQs

What does "symbol of class" mean?

The phrase "symbol of class" refers to an object, action, or idea that represents a specific social class or the concept of social stratification in general. It can represent membership, aspirations, or distinctions between different classes.

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

You can use "symbol of class" to describe something that embodies a class, for example: "The luxury car was a "symbol of class", representing wealth and status."

What are some alternatives to "symbol of class"?

Some alternatives to "symbol of class" include "marker of social status", "indicator of social standing", or "representation of class division", depending on the specific context.

Can "symbol of class" have negative connotations?

Yes, "symbol of class" can sometimes carry negative connotations, particularly when used to highlight disparities or divisions between classes. It can imply elitism, inequality, or social injustice, depending on the context.