it is represented by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is represented by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain what symbol, abbreviation, or person is associated with something else. For example: "The chemical element Iron is represented by the symbol Fe."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Maron made a sculpture of that name last year; it is represented by its maquette, or model.

The New York Times

It is represented by a skull with a harpooned fish on its' forehead.

WikiHow

It is represented by a skull with the Shield World symbol on its' forehead.

WikiHow

It is represented by a skull with an oracle image on its forehead.

WikiHow

It is represented by the ad network Federated Media.

The New York Times

Graphically, it is represented by an input-as-a-bifurcation-parameter diagram.

Neurocomputing

For many, it is represented by journalists' images of the hostage crisis or the Ayatollah funeral.

The Guardian

The point where the two heavy lines meet is called the origin; it is represented by the numbers [0 0].

University of California, Berkeley

The prediction model is linear and it is represented by a second order model with time delay.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

"The Party does not have room for Colin Powell — it is represented by Sarah Palin," he says.

The New Yorker

The YBE becomes a system of nonlinear polynomial function equations if it is represented by the entries of a matrix.

Mathematics Mechanization and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is represented by" to clearly indicate the symbol, figure, or concept that stands for something else, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is represented by" for straightforward descriptions where a simpler verb like 'is' or 'shows' would suffice. For example, instead of 'The color red is represented by the sunset', use 'The sunset is red'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is represented by" functions primarily as a linking phrase to establish a relationship between a subject and its symbolic representation. As Ludwig AI states, it explains what symbol, abbreviation, or person is associated with something else. Examples show how concepts are visually, mathematically, or figuratively linked to something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

Wiki

20%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is represented by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction for establishing a clear connection between a subject and its symbolic representation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely employed to explain how different entities, such as symbols, abbreviations, or individuals, are associated with concepts. While versatile, its use is particularly common in scientific, informational, and journalistic writing. Authors should ensure it isn't overused in simpler descriptions, but rather reserved for situations where a direct and clear association needs to be drawn.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it symbolizes

Focuses on symbolic meaning rather than direct representation.

it embodies

Emphasizes the quality of being a tangible or visible form of an idea.

it signifies

Highlights the action of being a sign or indication of something.

it constitutes

Indicates the act of forming or composing something.

it is characterized by

Focuses on the main attributes or qualities.

it is typified by

Highlights something as a typical example.

it exemplifies

Highlights something serving as a typical example or excellent model.

it mirrors

Suggests a direct reflection or correspondence.

it reflects

Focuses on the idea of showing or expressing something.

it illustrates

Emphasizes the act of clarifying by giving an example.

FAQs

How can I use "it is represented by" in a sentence?

Use "it is represented by" to show how a concept, idea, or thing is symbolized or expressed. For instance, "In this diagram, the average is represented by a dashed line."

What are some alternatives to "it is represented by"?

You can use alternatives such as "it symbolizes", "it embodies", or "it signifies" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "it is represented by"?

The phrase itself is in the passive voice. While grammatically correct, consider whether an active voice construction might be clearer and more direct in your writing, such as "The symbol represents the concept".

What's the difference between "it is represented by" and "it is symbolized by"?

While similar, "it is represented by" implies a more direct association or mapping, while "it is symbolized by" suggests a more abstract or metaphorical connection. You can replace "it is represented by" with it symbolizes, but that depends on the context you want to express.