token

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "token" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as in discussions about digital currencies, authentication methods, or symbolic representations. Example: "To access the secure area of the website, you need to enter your authentication token."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nursultan Nazarbayev has led Kazakhstan as president, since independence in 1991, extending his tenure through a series of constitutional revisions and elections in which he has faced only token opposition.

The Guardian

"While I deplore what happened this week, I absolutely deplore what happened... by the same token there can be no truck with drug trafficking," Abbott said in an interview on 2GB Friday.

The Guardian

First, the GIB must be allowed to borrow from the capital markets the only way to make it a bank rather than a token fund, and to assure investors it's the real deal.

The Guardian

Also captured on video this week was an attempt by a group of men at BuzzFeed to recreate Kim Kardashian's 'break the internet' photo-shoot, a panda rolling in snow and a token GoPro video, this time courtesy of an eagle flying over London.

The Guardian

By the same token, in their macabre minds turning the babies over to "good" military families to raise as their own represented the ultimate victory over the "godless" left-wing enemy they wished to crush into nonexistence.

The Guardian

So long as Cameron can point to a couple of token victories over Brussels, the likes of Michael Gove and Philip Hammond – who once threatened to vote for out – are likely to campaign to stay in.

The Guardian - Opinion

A life force in herself, Mrs Fantlova has written her story in a memoir called The Tin Ring, after the gift her lover in Terezín, a boy called Arno, gave her as a token.

The Guardian - Music

Carlyle's transition from tradesman to thespian is well documented, perhaps because it's one of the few stories he'll tell about himself: 75p left over on his birthday book token, chanced upon a copy of The Crucible, hooked.

The Guardian - Film

In his early years of token power, he privately threatened to resign and flee, but was stopped.

The Guardian

Wenlock, named after the Shropshire site of Britain's first Olympic revival, was a special token of this idealistic commitment.

The Guardian - Opinion

The dead can be handled only by a designated class, who by this token became the 'untouchables' of an otherwise proudly casteless community, a marginalisation portrayed in Cyrus Mistry's unsettling novel, Chronicle of a Corpse Bearer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "token" to describe an action, ensure the context clearly indicates whether it is a genuine representation or merely a superficial gesture. For instance, a "token" effort might not suffice in a serious situation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "token" gesture is sufficient when substantial action is required. A "token" amount of support may be perceived as insincere or inadequate if more is needed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "token" is as a noun, representing something that serves as a symbol, sign, or representation of something else. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts, such as a keepsake or a form of payment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "token" functions primarily as a noun, denoting something that serves as a sign, symbol, or representation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct. The frequency of its usage is very common, particularly in news and media contexts. It carries a neutral register and is employed to represent concepts ranging from sentimental keepsakes to minimal gestures or payments. Therefore, when using the word "token", ensure that the context clearly conveys its intended symbolic or representative meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evidence

Highlights the aspect of a "token" as proof or confirmation.

symbolic gesture

Emphasizes the symbolic nature of an action, often implying it's done for show.

indication

Suggests a subtle sign or hint, similar to a "token" gesture.

sign of authenticity

Focuses on the "token" as a marker of genuineness or verification.

nominal payment

Refers to a small or insignificant amount of money paid.

perfunctory action

Implies the action is done routinely and without much enthusiasm.

expression

Highlights the aspect of a "token" as a way of conveying something.

keepsake

Highlights the aspect of a "token" as a memento or reminder.

mark

Implies a sign or trace that indicates something else.

badge

Represents something that symbolizes a status, quality, or affiliation.

FAQs

How can I use "token" in a sentence?

You can use "token" to describe something that serves as a sign or symbol of something else, such as "The gift was a token of appreciation."

What are some synonyms for "token"?

Alternatives for "token" include "symbol", "sign", "keepsake", or "voucher", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a token amount" or "token amount"?

Both "a token amount" and "token amount" are acceptable, but "a token amount" is used when referring to a specific quantity, while "token amount" can describe a general concept of insignificance.

What is the difference between "token" and "symbol"?

"Token" often implies a representation of something with a practical or sentimental value, while "symbol" generally represents something abstract or conceptual.