symphony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "symphony" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to music, particularly when referring to a large orchestral composition or metaphorically to describe a harmonious arrangement of elements. Example: "The concert featured a beautiful symphony that captivated the audience from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A close friend of Hegarty's, Abramovic tells me that he was her only choice for the symphony.

The Guardian - Music

Bob and Roberta Smith is creating a symphony for the public realm.

The Guardian - Arts

Visiting companies will include the Tchaikovsky symphony orchestra - founded in 1930 and Russia's oldest - the Stanislavsky theatre company, and the 600-year-old Sretensky monastery choir who will give a concert at Kensington Palace.

The Guardian

Ten years ago, before foxhunting was banned, the symphony of squeals would have signified that the 40-strong pack of hounds had hit on the scent of a fox.

The Guardian

Mostly an endless symphony of birdsong, as friendly, brightly painted sparrows, pigeons, and native birds like the gaudy conde or the grey white eye, zozo maniok, march across your breakfast table and swoop to feed from your hands.

The Guardian - Travel

Standing in the burned-out wreck of the renowned Mackintosh library, where the symphony of cabinetry has been reduced to blackened brick walls and a few charcoal stumps, it looks as if Vesuvius could easily have erupted.

The Guardian - Arts

Somebody said his work was like composing a Mozart symphony in your head.

The Guardian

That taping is often touted as the first-ever complete symphony of the recording era, but that's not true: that honour goes to Friedrich Kark and the Odeon Symphony Orchestra in 1910, also in Berlin, and also of Beethoven's 5th.

The Guardian - Music

The Jyske Ensemble, based in Viborg on the Jutland peninsula, was one of six "basis ensembles" in Denmark set up to work alongside the larger symphony orchestras, and help bring classical music to the regions while supporting music education in schools.

The Guardian

I practise in a large, bustling unit where the sounds of the doorbell, fridge alarms, emergency bells and birthing women create a glorious symphony.

The Guardian

He calls it sometimes a symphony, sometimes a cathedral, sometimes a tree - and he calls it great not arrogantly but with the self-effacement of a man who sees it as something apart from himself, as a great plan in which he had the job of finding the practical solutions and which had then grown naturally, like a living thing, out of the environment.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex and harmonious arrangement of elements, consider using "symphony" to evoke a sense of grandeur and integration. For instance, "The city's diverse cultures create a "symphony" of experiences."

Common error

While "symphony" can be used metaphorically, avoid applying it too liberally to simple or discordant situations. Ensure the context genuinely reflects harmony and complexity, or choose a more fitting descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "symphony" is as a noun. It typically refers to an extended musical composition for orchestra. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Music

30%

Arts

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "symphony" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun, primarily denoting an extended musical composition for orchestra. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its versatility, appearing frequently in news, media, arts, and music contexts. While often used in its literal musical sense, it also finds application metaphorically to describe harmonious combinations. When using "symphony", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended sense of musical composition or harmonious arrangement. Consider alternatives like "orchestral composition" or "opus" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

philharmonic work

Similar to symphony, emphasizes the philharmonic context of the musical work.

orchestral composition

Replaces "symphony" with a more general term for a musical piece written for an orchestra.

musical arrangement

Focuses on the structured and organized nature of the music, similar to a symphony.

harmonic convergence

Substitutes "symphony" with a phrase emphasizing the harmonious blending of elements.

grand composition

Emphasizes the scale and complexity of the musical piece, similar to a symphony.

musical harmony

Replaces "symphony" focusing on the harmonious aspect of music.

sonic tapestry

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe a rich and complex soundscape, akin to a symphony.

orchestral suite

Offers an alternative term for a multi-movement orchestral work, similar to a symphony.

concert piece

Provides a broader term for a musical work suitable for concert performance.

opus

Replaces "symphony" with a more general term for a musical composition.

FAQs

How is "symphony" typically used in a sentence?

The word "symphony" is used to refer to a large orchestral composition or, metaphorically, to describe a harmonious combination of elements. For example, "Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is a masterpiece" or "The garden was a symphony of colors."

What are some musical alternatives to "symphony"?

Alternatives include "orchestral composition", "philharmonic work", or "opus", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Can "symphony" be used outside of musical contexts?

Yes, "symphony" can be used metaphorically to describe a harmonious combination of elements in non-musical contexts. For example, you might say, "The chef created a symphony of flavors" to describe a well-balanced dish.

What's the difference between "symphony" and "orchestra"?

A "symphony" is a type of musical composition, usually for a full orchestra, while an "orchestra" is a large instrumental ensemble that performs various types of music, including symphonies.