typical of a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "typical of a" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a characteristic, quality, or behavior that is typical of a particular person, thing, or situation. For example, "She had a mischievous grin, typical of a child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Typical of a woman," she said, smiling.

The New York Times - Style

But that's all typical of a truck.

Independent

"It's typical of a lot of my colleagues.

The New York Times

The game was typical of a MetroStars-Revolution encounter.

The New York Times - Sports

"My biography is not typical of a modern American president".

The New York Times

"Dieback is more typical of a root problem," he said.

The New York Times

Nor is Juan's lusty, seductive character typical of a Catalan.

The Guardian - Travel

Frank's story is typical of a small number of veterans.

Independent

"It is more typical of a down economy," he said.

The New York Times

It was typical of a postwar economy: chaotic and unregulated.

The New York Times - Magazine

The real subject is light, diffused through the moisture-laden atmosphere typical of a coastal environment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "typical of a" to succinctly describe qualities or behaviors that are commonly associated with a specific group, category, or situation. This phrase is particularly useful for setting expectations or highlighting predictable patterns.

Common error

Be cautious when using "typical of a" to avoid perpetuating stereotypes. Ensure that your statement is based on evidence rather than assumptions to prevent unfair or inaccurate generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "typical of a" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a quality or characteristic that is commonly associated with it. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is indeed accurate and usable in various written contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "typical of a" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe something that exhibits qualities or behaviors commonly associated with a particular category or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread and applicable across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" writing, it serves to characterize and categorize, providing readers with a familiar point of reference. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure it is not used to overgeneralize or reinforce stereotypes but rather to provide a concise and accurate description. Alternative phrases, such as "characteristic of a" or "representative of a", can add variety to your writing while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characteristic of a

Replaces 'typical' with 'characteristic', emphasizing a defining attribute.

representative of a

Substitutes 'typical' with 'representative', highlighting the quality of being an example.

indicative of a

Uses 'indicative' to show that something serves as a sign or indication.

suggestive of a

Employs 'suggestive' to imply a connection or resemblance.

emblematic of a

Replaces 'typical' with 'emblematic', meaning it serves as a symbol.

demonstrative of a

Uses 'demonstrative' to show that something clearly illustrates a quality.

in keeping with a

Indicates that something is consistent or in harmony with the nature of something else.

consistent with a

Highlights the aspect of something aligning with the expected pattern.

in line with a

Implies that something follows a particular standard or expectation.

a hallmark of a

Uses 'hallmark' to suggest a distinguishing trait or characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "typical of a" in a sentence?

Use "typical of a" to describe something that commonly occurs or is representative of a particular group or situation. For example, "The long lines were typical of a popular tourist attraction".

What are some alternatives to saying "typical of a"?

You can use alternatives like "characteristic of a", "representative of a", or "indicative of a" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "typical of" without the article 'a'?

While "typical of" can be grammatically correct, including the article 'a' often provides more clarity and specificity, especially when referring to a specific instance or member of a group. For example, "That behavior is typical of a teenager" is generally preferred over "That behavior is typical of teenager".

What's the difference between "typical of a" and "because of"?

"Typical of a" describes something that is representative or characteristic, while "because of" indicates a cause-and-effect relationship. For example, "The rain was typical of a spring day" describes a common occurrence, whereas "The game was canceled because of the rain" explains the reason for the cancellation.