they typify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they typify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something represents or embodies a particular quality or characteristic. Example: "The sculptures in the gallery are not just art; they typify the cultural heritage of the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

(In this, they typify the vast majority of Iranians).

The Economist

They typify the projects the center will be looking to finance.

The New York Times - Tech

Exceptions have been made only a handful of times, and they typify the standard.

The New York Times - Magazine

Most say they typify nothing more than the stubborn streak of just keeping on keeping on.

The New York Times

Strasburg's first-pitch issues are especially important because they typify the Nats' starting staff across the board.

The Washington Post

No matter how often I see them they are, for me, very moving, as if they typify birds of prey.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

They typified a wealth and panache that was as much a part of Broadway's heyday as the entertainments on stage.

The New York Times

Indeed, these two scaffolds were selected because they typified radically different ligand-associated complexation events with the GR receptor (one with an extraordinarily good and one with a very poor ligand efficiency value).

ACS Central Science

To Rachel, they also typify the melding of the married world with the gay and lesbian world.

The New York Times

Although the technology's sequence lengths are reduced compared with pyrosequencing, they sufficiently typify many microbiota in terms of sequence content and taxonomic assignments achieved by matching to reference databases that are also increasingly comprehensive.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

They are typified by Lazlo, the friend who always slips Leo an envelope before he leaves, usually containing an improving quotation.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they typify" to clearly and concisely indicate that something is representative of a larger group or concept. Ensure the subject clearly relates to the qualities you're attributing to it.

Common error

Avoid using "they typify" when the subject only shares superficial similarities. Ensure that the subjects truly embody the essential characteristics of what they are meant to represent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they typify" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a description that indicates representation or embodiment. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, confirming its role in establishing the representative nature of a subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they typify" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that certain subjects are representative of broader categories or concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. While it’s important to ensure the subject genuinely embodies the characteristics it represents, understanding its function and purpose can enhance your writing. Consider alternatives such as "they exemplify" or "they represent" to achieve specific nuances in your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they exemplify

Replaces "typify" with "exemplify", offering a more formal tone.

they embody

Replaces "typify" with "embody", highlighting the incorporation of qualities.

they represent

Replaces "typify" with "represent", focusing on standing for something.

they illustrate

Replaces "typify" with "illustrate", emphasizing the act of showing or clarifying.

they characterize

Replaces "typify" with "characterize", highlighting distinctive features.

they are representative of

Expands the phrase to include "are representative of", providing a more descriptive approach.

they are emblematic of

Replaces "typify" with "are emblematic of", suggesting symbolic representation.

they epitomize

Replaces "typify" with "epitomize", implying a perfect example.

they stand as examples of

Rephrases to "stand as examples of", directly indicating their role as models.

they give a good indication of

Rephrases to indicate providing a clear sign or signal.

FAQs

How can I use "they typify" in a sentence?

Use "they typify" to indicate that certain subjects are representative examples of a broader category or concept. For example, "These stories "they typify" the struggles of immigrant families" shows the stories embody common experiences.

What are some alternatives to "they typify"?

You can use alternatives such as "they exemplify", "they represent", or "they embody", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "they typify" in formal writing?

Yes, "they typify" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and that the context clearly supports its use. More formal alternatives exist, such as "they epitomize" for stronger emphasis.

What's the difference between "they typify" and "they characterize"?

"They typify" suggests representing essential or common traits, while "they characterize" focuses on highlighting specific, distinctive features. Use "they typify" when showing a general pattern and "they characterize" when pointing out unique attributes.