it marks not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it marks not" is correct and can be used in written English, though it is somewhat archaic.
You can use it in literary or poetic contexts to indicate that something is of no significance or importance. Example: "In the grand scheme of things, it marks not whether we succeed or fail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It marks not only the mystery of Dao but also its limitlessness or inexhaustibility (e.g., ch. 4).

SEP

It marks not only an ending but a beginning -- and we have all been looking for meaningful beginnings in the past few months.

The New York Times

Next week, Daybreak will celebrate two momentous occasions as it marks not only two full years on air, but also unveils its third attempt to convince anyone to actually watch it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But researchers said xylella's completion was worth a bit of hoopla as it marks not only the revelation of a new genome, but the entry of a surprising new player in a field dominated by developed nations.

The New York Times - Science

"It marks not only the biggest heavyweight encounter of 2013, but also the biggest fight staged in Britain for many years".

BBC

It marks not just the culmination of a decade of consolidation but, more importantly, the creation of a new competitive force in the communications and entertainment sectors in the U.K".

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It marked not the end of the road for its residents, but another obstacle in an implausible slog.

Vice

DALIN, TAIWAN — When a Taiwan music ensemble performed its reconstruction of Chinese imperial court music last year in Beijing, it marked not just a cultural milestone, but a political one.

The New York Times - Arts

It marked not only a memorable strike but the Welshman's first goal for Celtic, more than a year after he arrived in Glasgow from Cardiff City.

The Guardian - Sport

This animal was seen in the first day, when it was marked, not seen in the second day, but seen again in the third day.

Plosone

It came back marked: "Not Found".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it marks not" sparingly, primarily in literary or formal contexts, as it can sound archaic or overly formal in modern casual writing. Consider whether a more straightforward alternative like "it doesn't matter" would be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "it marks not" in informal or casual writing where it might sound stilted or unnatural. Modern English often prefers simpler, more direct phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it marks not" functions as a declarative statement expressing a lack of significance or importance. As Ludwig indicates, its use is considered grammatically correct, but somewhat archaic in modern English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it marks not" is a grammatically correct but somewhat archaic way to express a lack of significance or importance. While Ludwig confirms its validity, it also highlights its infrequent use in contemporary English. The expression tends to appear in more formal contexts such as news, media, and scientific writing. When writing, it is important to consider the audience and purpose to determine if a simpler, more modern alternative would be more appropriate. Alternatives include "it does not signify" or "it doesn't matter", depending on the desired tone. The phrase should be used sparingly and with intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it does not signify

Replaces "marks" with "signify" and uses the auxiliary verb "does" for emphasis.

it does not denote

Substitutes "marks" with "denote", emphasizing a lack of representation or indication.

it does not indicate

Replaces "marks" with "indicate", highlighting a lack of signaling or pointing to something.

it holds no importance

Uses a more explicit expression of lacking importance, rather than a marking action.

it is of no consequence

Emphasizes the lack of consequence or impact.

it is not of importance

A more verbose way of saying something lacks importance.

it has no bearing

Replaces "marks" with "has no bearing", indicating a lack of relevance.

it doesn't matter

A simpler, more direct way of saying something is not important.

it is inconsequential

Uses the adjective "inconsequential" to describe the lack of importance.

it signifies nothing

Emphasizes that something has no meaning or importance whatsoever.

FAQs

How can I use "it marks not" in a sentence?

You can use "it marks not" to indicate that something is of no significance or importance. For example, "In the grand scheme of things, "it marks not" whether we succeed or fail."

What can I say instead of "it marks not"?

You can use alternatives like "it does not signify", "it doesn't matter", or "it is of no consequence" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it marks not" or "it does not mark"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "it does not mark" is more common in modern English. "It marks not" has an archaic tone.

What's the difference between "it marks not" and "it is not marked"?

"It marks not" indicates that something doesn't signify or denote something. "It is not marked" indicates something has not received a physical mark or label.