the dialect of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the dialect of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific form of a language that is characteristic of a particular group or region. Example: "The dialect of the region has unique vocabulary and pronunciation that sets it apart from standard language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Although Italian has a standard literary form, based on the dialect of Florence, the common speech is dialectal or a local variant of Standard Italian.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is the dialect of preconceived zingers.

The New Yorker

There is the dialect of argumentative policy talking points.

The New Yorker

The dialect of Lhasa is used as a lingua franca.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They also spoke in the dialect of their different provinces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the dialect of Washington, it can be a noun or a verb.

The New York Times

In French it is called tarte flambée; in the dialect of Alsace, flammekueche.

The New York Times - Food

Spin remains the dialect of politics, including at the White House.

The New Yorker

The dialect of Spanish used in Arab-occupied Spain before the 12th century was called Mozarabic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An idiolect is the dialect of an individual person at one time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The two had spoken in Russian and Bukhori, the dialect of Bukharian Jews from Uzbekistan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience, consider providing a brief explanation or context for less well-known dialects to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the dialect of" when you actually mean accent. Dialect encompasses vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, while accent only refers to pronunciation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the dialect of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun. It specifies a particular form of a language, often associated with a geographic region or social group. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the dialect of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase to specify regional or social language variations. Ludwig provides ample examples of its usage across news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and versatile, suitable for describing language variations with precision. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly identify the specific group or region associated with the dialect and differentiate between dialect and accent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the variant of

Replaces "dialect" with a more general term for a form of a language.

the local speech of

Emphasizes the geographical aspect of the language.

the language variety of

Uses a more formal term 'language variety' instead of 'dialect'.

the regional language of

Highlights that the 'dialect' is characteristic of a region.

the linguistic form of

Emphasizes the technical aspect of language.

the vernacular of

Highlights the informal, everyday language.

the idiom of

Focuses on the characteristic expressions and style of a group.

the patois of

Implies a local, often non-standard, form of language.

the argot of

Refers to specialized vocabulary and expressions used by a particular group.

the tongue of

Offers a slightly more poetic and less technical alternative to "dialect".

FAQs

How do I use "the dialect of" in a sentence?

Use "the dialect of" to specify a particular form of a language spoken in a specific region or by a specific group. For example, "The novel featured characters speaking "the dialect of" the rural South."

What's the difference between "the dialect of" and "the language of"?

"The language of" refers to the general language itself, while ""the dialect of"" specifies a particular regional or social variety. For example, English is a language, but Cockney is "the dialect of" London.

Can I use "the dialect of" to refer to a person's individual speech?

While ""the dialect of"" typically refers to group speech patterns, you could use it to describe an individual's unique speech if they strongly represent a particular dialect. However, "idiolect" is a more precise term for an individual's unique speech patterns.

What are some alternatives to using "the dialect of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the variant of", "the language variety of", or "the vernacular of" to convey a similar meaning.