to embody something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to embody something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that someone or something represents or exemplifies a particular quality, idea, or concept. Example: "Her actions truly embody the spirit of generosity and kindness that we strive for in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It offers a series of flavourful cultural snacks, which also manage to embody something important about British culture.

The Guardian - Arts

Finally there comes a turning point, about an hour and 15 minutes into the show, when Mr. Rickman is allowed to embody something more than brisk intellectual sadism.

The New York Times

"I started by finding music that I thought was going to embody something about this man's character," Mr. Lubovitch said of the individual sessions.

The New York Times - Arts

But popular singers have to embody something the culture craves: from the past yet modern; alluding to the future but comprehensible.

The New York Times - Arts

Though Wisil is just another windswept town in central Somalia, barely a tiny dot on the most detailed maps, it seems to embody something bigger, something true for the entire nation: an enduring sense of loss.

The New York Times

But even the most skeptical historian will have to admit that, between the rise of Fatah and the signing of the Oslo accords, in 1993, Arafat came to embody something that the Israelis and much of the Western world had cynically dismissed: Palestinian suffering and a Palestinian national identity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

And so, while the British city centre has been lost to pseudo Japanese jazz bars and mock Prohibition-era sperhapsies, perhaps the dimly-lit backstreets are where these nights are actually best placed, not least because with their two finger salute to gentrification they embody something of those rough-edged but accessible and free-spirited clubs of the early 2000s.

Vice

Mr. Lewis's ability to find people who can see what is obvious to others only in retrospect or who somehow embody something larger going on in the financial world is uncanny.

The New York Times - Books

He added: "What is this aging system that is mobilizing itself against the one person who could embody something else?

The New York Times

Was it because they coincided fleetingly with the zeitgeist, or do they embody something more robust and enduring?

The Guardian - Books

The very act of manufacturing, counting, and placing them would embody something of the scale of the crimes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to embody something" when you want to convey that a person, object, or idea fully represents or exemplifies a specific quality, concept, or essence. For instance, "Her dedication to social justice truly embodies the values of our organization."

Common error

Avoid using "to embody something" when describing purely physical characteristics. The phrase is best suited for representing abstract qualities, values, or ideas. For example, instead of saying "The building embodies a tall structure," it's more appropriate to use "The building is a tall structure."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to embody something" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically serves as a verbal within a clause. It suggests that a subject possesses or exemplifies a specific quality, concept, or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Arts

25%

Books

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to embody something" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to convey that a subject represents or exemplifies a specific quality, concept, or essence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide array of contexts, predominantly appearing in News & Media, Arts, and Books. When using this phrase, ensure you are attributing abstract qualities rather than physical attributes and consider using alternatives like "to represent something" or "to exemplify something" to add nuance. "To embody something" is a powerful tool for emphasizing the core characteristics of a subject, making it a valuable addition to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to represent something

Focuses on portraying or depicting something rather than fully encapsulating it.

to exemplify something

Highlights the role of serving as a typical example or model.

to personify something

Specifically refers to representing a quality or concept in human form.

to encapsulate something

Implies containing or expressing the essential features of something in a concise way.

to symbolize something

Emphasizes the use of something as a symbol or representation.

to mirror something

Suggests reflecting or closely resembling something else.

to capture something

Focuses on successfully representing or conveying a particular quality or feeling.

to express something

Highlights the act of communicating or conveying a particular idea or feeling.

to manifest something

Implies making something evident or apparent.

to reflect something

Indicates showing or representing something in a particular way.

FAQs

How can I use "to embody something" in a sentence?

You can use "to embody something" to describe how a person, object, or idea represents a particular quality or concept. For example, "The statue seems "to embody something" greater than its physical form".

What are some alternatives to "to embody something"?

Some alternatives to "to embody something" include "to represent something", "to exemplify something", or "to personify something" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "to embody something" and "to symbolize something"?

"To embody something" means to be a tangible or concrete representation of a quality or idea, while "to symbolize something" means to represent it through a symbol. A flag might "to symbolize something" freedom, but a leader might "to embody something" courage.

When is it appropriate to use "to embody something"?

It's appropriate to use "to embody something" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is a clear and representative example of a particular abstract quality, concept, or value. It's about more than just representation; it suggests a deep connection.