in two dimensions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in two dimensions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has two dimensions (length and width), or to an activity or concept that can be experienced or interpreted in two different ways. For example: "This room is quite small, but it's amazing how you can fit so much furniture in two dimensions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

F. GWYNPLAINE MacINTYRE lived in two dimensions.

The New York Times

In two dimensions, it's Fxdx + Fydy.

Yale University

From then on, he worked in two dimensions.

The New York Times - Arts

Autobiography in two dimensions does not come better than this.

The New York Times - Arts

Miller, A. D. et al. Electron solvation in two dimensions.

Nature

Figure 1A illustrates a crystal in two dimensions.

Britannica

Numerical examples in two dimensions are investigated.

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

Figure 18.3 illustrates the documents in in two dimensions.

Stanford University

Efficient geometric algorithms for parsing in two dimensions.

Stanford University

In March it was: "the future in two dimensions".

The New York Times

The periodic model is established in two dimensions.

Composite Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing spatial arrangements, specify the coordinate system (e.g., Cartesian) being used "in two dimensions" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "in two dimensions" when you actually mean 'from a limited point of view'. Dimensions refer to spatial measurements, not subjective viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in two dimensions" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to specify the spatial context or characteristics of an action or object. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates that something exists or operates within a space that has only length and width.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

37%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in two dimensions" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify spatial characteristics, indicating that something exists or is represented without depth, possessing only length and width. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for written English and finds frequent application across various domains, particularly science, news and media, and academia. While grammatically sound, it's essential to avoid confusing "dimensions" with "perspective". Use the phrase to describe spatial arrangements by specifying the coordinate system for clarity. Ludwig's analysis of the example sentences confirms that the phrase serves to provide spatial information. It's commonly found in neutral contexts but may lean towards more formal scientific registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a two-dimensional plane

Specifies a flat surface as the context.

within a 2D space

Replaces 'dimensions' with the more technical term 'space'.

in a planar representation

Focuses on the representation being flat or planar.

from a two-dimensional perspective

Emphasizes the viewing angle or viewpoint.

in terms of length and width

Breaks down 'dimensions' into its basic components.

confined to two dimensions

Highlights the restriction or limitation to two dimensions.

expressed in two dimensions

Focuses on the mode of expression or representation.

operating in two dimensions

Describes an activity or process occurring within a 2D context.

represented on a flat surface

Specifies the surface type as flat and the way something is represented.

as a projection in two dimensions

Highlights the concept of projection, implying a reduction from higher dimensions.

FAQs

How can I use "in two dimensions" in a sentence?

You can use "in two dimensions" to describe objects, spaces, or representations that have length and width but no depth. For example, "The map represents the city "in two dimensions"."

What are some alternatives to saying "in two dimensions"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "on a plane", "within a 2D space", or "in a planar representation". These phrases offer different nuances of meaning while referring to the same concept.

Is it correct to say "a 2D object" instead of "an object in two dimensions"?

Yes, "a 2D object" is a common and accepted shorthand for "an object "in two dimensions"". It's often used in technical contexts.

What is the difference between a 2D and a 3D representation?

A 2D representation exists on a flat plane and has only length and width, lacking depth. A 3D representation, on the other hand, has length, width, and depth, providing a more realistic and spatial depiction.