asterisk

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "asterisk" is correct and can be used in written English.
An asterisk is typically used to denote a footnote or to indicate omissions, corrections or added notes in a sentence. For example, "The report concluded that the defendant had breached the contract, but a few judges* disagreed with this finding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 12.08pm ET17 08 The asterisk headline.

The Guardian

Thirteen seasons later, he's up there with the Detroit legend, just 189 hits behind Cobb and 256 behind the all-time hit king, Pete Rose – albeit with the asterisk.

The Guardian - Sport

78440ca3-cf3b-44d0-8f12-63b392ed9ec6 There was a real, honest-to-goodness baseball story in the Bronx on Wednesday, and ironically enough it came with an asterisk, the same sort of marking that some want to put next to the record-breaking numbers of those who played in the so-called steroid era.

The Guardian - Sport

So in this case, an asterisk makes perfect sense as a descriptive marking that serves simply as an explanation, and one that takes nothing away anything from Ichiro.

The Guardian - Sport

As Lord Ashdown, a former leader, reminded activists, in 1989 his party's poll rating was briefly an asterisk, meaning too small to measure with confidence.

The Economist

But executives at Chrysler grudgingly acknowledge that in North America they cannot sell many more cars even smaller ones.Chery-pickingThe big opportunity, according to both Mr Zetsche and Tom LaSorda, Chrysler's boss, lies overseas, where the firm is little more than an asterisk on the sales charts.

The Economist

But executives at Chrysler grudgingly acknowledge that in North America they cannot sell many more cars even smaller ones.The big opportunity, according to both Mr Zetsche and Tom LaSorda, Chrysler's boss, lies overseas, where the firm is little more than an asterisk on the sales charts.

The Economist

This has become an obstacle to regional co-operation, because Kosovo's government objects to the UN presence, pointing out that it is now independent.Both sides now agree that Kosovo could be represented as Kosovo*: at stake is the footnote to go with the asterisk.

The Economist

There may be a political necessity to make that argument, but that's another story.So there's one aspect of the pro-gay-marriage brief that deserves a mental asterisk.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I dug out the menu: bloody hell, yes, the lobster and sole options both carried a faint double-asterisk, indicating they took a £20 (not £2) extra cost, while the one-asterisk scallops carried a £5 supplement.

Independent

Incidentally, the ISC's own report is an example of how hollow that commitment is, with its paragraphs regularly punctuated with triple asterisks indicating redactions and undermining some of its key points.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using an "asterisk" to denote a footnote, ensure the footnote is clearly referenced and provides relevant additional information. Avoid overuse of asterisks, as it can clutter your text.

Common error

Don't use "asterisks" solely for emphasis, as this is grammatically incorrect and visually distracting. Use bold text or italics instead to highlight specific words or phrases.

Linguistic Context

The word "asterisk" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the symbol (*) itself. It can also function as a verb, meaning to mark something with an asterisk. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "asterisk" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a noun, denoting the symbol (*), but also used as a verb. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from formal academic writing to news media. It serves to denote footnotes, indicate omissions, or mark reconstructed forms. When writing, use "asterisks" to properly and sparingly indicate the additional notes and never to add emphasis to words.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

star symbol

This alternative refers to the symbol itself, focusing on its visual representation.

footnote marker

This highlights the asterisk's role in indicating a footnote or additional information.

qualification

This emphasizes the asterisk's use to denote a limitation or condition.

caveat

This suggests the asterisk marks a warning or exception.

symbol of omission

This focuses on the asterisk's function in indicating missing information or redactions.

reference mark

Highlights the asterisk's role as a sign that refers to additional text.

annotation symbol

This alternative refers to its use in adding notes or commentary.

disclaimer

Implies that an asterisk introduces a statement limiting responsibility.

asterism

Refers to a group of stars, related to the root meaning of asterisk, but in a different context.

symbol for reconstructed form

This specifies the asterisk's application in linguistics to denote reconstructed linguistic forms.

FAQs

How is an "asterisk" used in academic writing?

In academic writing, an "asterisk" can denote footnotes, indicate statistical significance, or mark reconstructed linguistic forms. It's crucial to provide a clear explanation of its meaning in each context.

What is the difference between an "asterisk" and other footnote symbols?

While an "asterisk" is a common footnote symbol, others include daggers (†), double daggers (‡), and numbered superscripts. Use them sequentially, typically starting with the "asterisk", to avoid confusion.

Can I use an "asterisk" to censor words?

Yes, an "asterisk" can replace letters in offensive words for censorship purposes. However, consider the context and audience, as this method may not always be appropriate or effective.

In linguistics, what does an "asterisk" indicate?

In linguistics, an "asterisk" before a word or phrase indicates that it is a reconstructed form, meaning it is not attested but has been deduced from attested derivatives. See also "reconstructed form".