symbolic of

USAGE SUMMARY

"symbolic of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used to refer to something that stands for or represents a larger concept, idea, or feeling. For example, an eagle is often used as a symbol of freedom.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's symbolic of Texas," he explained.

The New York Times

Pretty symbolic of India's day.

The Guardian - Sport

Symbolic of this authority are Athens and Jerusalem.

The New York Times - Books

"It's symbolic of the problem," he added.

The New York Times

The jewels are symbolic of it all.

The New York Times - Books

Which must be symbolic of something.

The New Yorker

Green was also considered symbolic of Islam.

Britannica

Nettles are symbolic of punishment and plague.

The New York Times

Refraining from food is symbolic, of course.

The New York Times

He seems symbolic of an old joke.

The New York Times - Sports

It's very symbolic of the change".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "symbolic of", ensure that the connection between the symbol and what it represents is clear to your audience. Avoid overly abstract or obscure symbolism that may confuse readers.

Common error

Avoid using "symbolic of" when you mean simply "representative". Symbolism implies a deeper, often culturally specific, meaning beyond mere representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "symbolic of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something represents or stands for something else. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where various objects and ideas are described as representing abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "symbolic of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that denotes representation or association. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is "correct and usable in written English". It commonly appears in contexts like News & Media, encyclopedias and academia. When using "symbolic of", clarity is key; ensure the connection between the symbol and its meaning is apparent to your audience. While alternatives like "representative of" exist, "symbolic of" suggests a deeper, culturally significant meaning. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "symbolic of" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

representative of

Focuses on the act of representing a larger group or entity.

a representation of

Emphasizes the act of representing or portraying something else.

indicative of

Highlights the characteristic of pointing towards or suggesting something.

an indication of

Highlights the act of indicating or pointing to something else.

emblematic of

Emphasizes serving as an emblem or a visual symbol.

a sign of

Underscores the aspect of being a sign or signal for something.

suggestive of

Implies that something brings to mind or suggests a particular idea.

reflective of

Highlights that something mirrors or reflects a certain quality or state.

demonstrative of

Focuses on the action of clearly showing or demonstrating something.

illustrative of

Highlights that something serves as an example or illustration.

FAQs

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

Use "symbolic of" to indicate that something represents a larger concept or idea. For example, "The dove is "symbolic of" peace".

What are some alternatives to saying "symbolic of"?

You can use alternatives like "representative of", "indicative of", or "emblematic of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "symbolic for" instead of "symbolic of"?

While less common, "symbolic for" can sometimes be used, but ""symbolic of"" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing.

What does it mean when something is described as "symbolic of" something else?

When something is ""symbolic of"" something else, it means that it serves as a representation or a sign of a deeper meaning or concept associated with it.