they are representative of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are representative of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something serves as a typical example or illustration of a particular group or category. Example: "The findings from this study are representative of the broader trends observed in the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They are representative of the company, right?

The New York Times

They are representative of a wider trend within our industry.

The Guardian

Treating the responders as if they are representative of the entire class is a statistical blunder.

University of California, Berkeley

These regions were chosen as they are representative of all 21 regions analysed.

Nature

Observational studies overcome these limitations of RCTs since they are representative of real world populations and practices.

Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy

They are representative of the gnomic unfolding of a startlingly incomprehensible work apparently about sex, revolution and terrorism.

The Guardian - Music

Rather, they are representative of a bigger problem of a constitutional rights violation in the criminal justice system.

The Washington Post

Kids, family and significant others never really fit into that". They are representative of the routine, the settled, the familiar.

The New York Times

They are more representative of our scouts and their reports on them than they are representative of me".

The New York Times - Sports

These are special operators, they are representative of the kind of commitment and sacrifice and patriotism and service".

The New York Times

Reliable predictions of flames propagating in a semi-confined environment are vital for safety reasons, once they are representative of accidental explosion configurations.

Combustion and Flame

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they are representative of", ensure the subject clearly connects to the larger group or trend being described, providing context for the comparison. For instance, state explicitly what the 'they' refers to and what broader category they represent for clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a small sample is broadly representative without sufficient evidence. It's important to specify the limitations of the representation and avoid making sweeping generalizations based on insufficient data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are representative of" functions as a linking expression indicating that certain entities or findings typify or exemplify a larger group, trend, or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are representative of" is a versatile and frequently used expression for indicating that specific examples are typical or indicative of a larger group or trend. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears across a range of sources, particularly in scientific research and news reporting. When employing this phrase, ensure a clear connection between the specific entities and the broader category they represent, and be cautious of overgeneralizing without sufficient evidence. Alternative phrases like "they exemplify" or "they reflect" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they exemplify

This alternative suggests that something serves as a typical example or embodiment of a particular quality or group.

they are indicative of

This alternative emphasizes that something serves as a sign or indication of something else.

they reflect

This alternative means that something shows or expresses something else.

they are typical of

This alternative means that something is characteristic or commonly found in a particular group or category.

they embody

This alternative implies that something gives a tangible or visible form to an idea, quality, or feeling.

they are illustrative of

This alternative suggests that something serves to clarify or explain something else.

they stand for

This alternative means that something symbolizes or represents something else.

they epitomize

This alternative suggests that something is the perfect example of something.

they are a symbol of

This alternative indicates that something functions as a sign that represents something else.

they mirror

This alternative suggests that something closely resembles or imitates something else.

FAQs

How can I use "they are representative of" in a sentence?

Use "they are representative of" to show that a specific example is typical of a larger group or trend. For example, "The survey results "they are representative of" national opinions on climate change."

What can I say instead of "they are representative of"?

You can use alternatives like "they exemplify", "they reflect", or "they are typical of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "they are representative of" or "they represent"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct but have slightly different nuances. "They represent" is more direct and implies a straightforward correspondence. "They are representative of" suggests that they serve as a typical example of a larger group.

What's the difference between "they are representative of" and "they are indicative of"?

"They are representative of" implies that something is a typical example. "They are indicative of" suggests something serves as a sign or clue about a broader situation or trend.