it denotes

USAGE SUMMARY

"it denotes" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something stands for or represents something else. For example, "The letter 'A' denotes the highest grade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a droll juxtaposition, and it denotes Ms. Drury as a product of our multitasking, wide-sampling age.

The New York Times

It denotes the small and the particular and the specific.

The Guardian - Books

This gesture indicates the act of enumerating coins, and hence it denotes money.

The New York Times

Perhaps it denotes the blind and joyous belief in revolutionary ideology.

The Guardian - Books

Instead it denotes his signature emphasis on the first beat in a four-beat measure.

The New York Times - Books

In Central and South America it denotes a person of combined Indian and European extraction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some would like to see a more religious element; others worry that it denotes an ethnocracy.

The New York Times

It denotes Darwin's specific view that evolution is driven mainly by natural selection.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Where the word is not dangerous, it denotes only honesty of a certain kind -- a certain nonexistent kind.

The New York Times - Magazine

Among us, however, more usually it denotes someone who was, is or wll be deluded in his hopes.

The New York Times

And I think it denotes an intent by the government to push mainly Labour-run councils into bankruptcy".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "it denotes" with a specific and concise explanation of what the subject represents. Avoid ambiguity and ensure the meaning is easily understood by your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "it denotes" when the connection between the subject and what it represents is too abstract or tenuous. Ensure a clear and logical relationship to maintain the sentence's coherence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it denotes" functions primarily as a declarative statement, explicitly defining or specifying the meaning of a term or concept. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase asserts a direct relationship between a subject and its representation. For instance, 'the color red it denotes danger'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it denotes" is a versatile phrase primarily used for clearly defining the meaning of a term or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias and scientific literature. Its function is to assert a direct, explicit relationship between a subject and its representation, aiming for precision and clarity. While it is acceptable and widely utilized, ensuring a clear and logical connection between the subject and what it represents is important to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "it signifies", "it indicates", or "it represents" depending on the specific nuance. Ultimately, "it denotes" serves as a valuable tool for establishing clear and unambiguous communication in formal and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it signifies

This alternative places emphasis on the representative nature of the subject, highlighting its function as a sign or symbol.

it indicates

This alternative focuses on pointing out or showing something, suggesting a more direct form of conveying meaning.

it represents

This option highlights the subject's role as a stand-in or embodiment of a concept, quality, or entity.

it implies

Suggests that the subject hints at something without explicitly stating it, focusing on indirect communication.

it means

This is a more direct and simpler way of expressing that something has a particular significance or definition.

it symbolizes

Focuses on the subject as a symbol, representing something abstract or conceptual.

it alludes to

This alternative suggests a more indirect reference, hinting at something rather than stating it explicitly.

it alludes

This option provides a shorter version emphasizing indirect reference.

it connotes

This phrase conveys the implied or associative meaning of the subject, beyond its literal definition.

it suggests

This alternative highlights the act of proposing or hinting at something, rather than directly defining it.

FAQs

How can I use "it denotes" in a sentence?

Use "it denotes" to clearly indicate what a specific term, symbol, or concept represents. For example, "In this context, the term 'renaissance' "it denotes" a period of cultural and artistic flourishing".

What are some alternatives to "it denotes"?

You can use alternatives such as "it signifies", "it represents", or "it indicates" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "it denotes" and "it connotes"?

"It denotes" refers to the literal or explicit meaning of a term, while "it connotes" refers to the implied or associated meanings. Denotation is direct, while connotation is suggestive.

When is it appropriate to use "it denotes" in writing?

Use "it denotes" in formal writing, academic papers, or technical documents where precise definitions and clear representations are essential. It helps establish a specific understanding of terms.