subscript

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subscript" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematical, scientific, or technical contexts to refer to a character or symbol that is set slightly below the normal line of type, often used to denote variables or indices. Example: "In the chemical formula H₂O, the '2' is a subscript indicating that there are two hydrogen atoms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

For that reason it has not been thought necessary to add a subscript or superscript to m to emphasize that it is the rest mass rather than a velocity-dependent quantity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At equilibrium, r1 = r2, therefore: The subscript e represents conditions at equilibrium.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The subscript n gives a count of the number of internal zero-motion (nodal) surfaces, and l indicates the number of surface nodal lines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The vowel sounds on those three subscript kana can be lengthened by adding as a second subscript the corresponding vowel symbol (e.g., shi and yu plus u produce shū).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Henceforth the simpler subscript notation will be used.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(The name nahcolite is formed from the chemical formula, with the suffix -lite replacing the subscript numeral 3).

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the broadest notation, a syllable pronounced on a normal high tone is left unmarked, a horizontal subscript marks a low-pitched syllable, and a vertical superscript marks a svarita syllable e.g., (agnim ī̀ḷe "I praise [invoke] Agni").

Encyclopedia Britannica

Terms in the sequence were stated in a formula by the French-born mathematician Albert Girard in 1634: un + 2 = un + 1 + un, in which u represents the term and the subscript its rank in the sequence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

For convenience, the coordinates are usually numbered from 1 to n, and each component of a tensor is denoted by a letter having superscripts and subscripts, each of which independently takes on the values 1 to n.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The formula of a compound such as CH4 indicates the types of atoms present, with subscripts representing the relative numbers of atoms (although the numeral 1 is never written).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here λ = Ω + ω + l is the mean longitude, the subscripts A and J refer to the asteroid and Jupiter, respectively, and ϖ = Ω + ω is the longitude of perihelion (see Figure 2).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subscript" in technical writing, ensure that the subscripted character is clearly distinguishable from the main text and properly aligned to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "subscript" when you actually mean "superscript", which is a character or symbol written above the normal line of type. Double-check the positioning to ensure accuracy in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The term "subscript" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a character or symbol written below the normal line of type. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is frequently used in technical fields such as mathematics, science, and computing to denote indices, variables, or other modifying elements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

25%

News & Media

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "subscript" is a noun used to describe a character or symbol written below the normal line of type, commonly found in technical and scientific writing. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for describing notations in mathematical equations, chemical formulas, and other technical contexts. While "subscript" is a relatively common term, it's crucial to differentiate it from "superscript" to avoid confusion. Its prevalence in encyclopedias, science, and news media underscores its importance in accurate technical communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower index

Replaces "subscript" with a more descriptive term emphasizing the index's position.

inferior character

Focuses on the character's placement below the standard line of type.

base character

Highlights the placement of a character at the baseline.

lowered letter

Specifies the kind of symbol being placed at the bottom.

baseline notation

Generalizes the concept to any notation occurring at the baseline.

trailing indicator

Describes the subscript as following and modifying the previous character.

downward index

Emphasizes the directional position of the index.

bottom label

Describes the subscript as a label positioned at the bottom.

bottom-aligned character

Focuses on the character's alignment at the bottom of the text.

underneath marking

Highlights the physical placement of the marking.

FAQs

How do I use "subscript" in a sentence?

You can use "subscript" to describe a character or symbol that is set slightly below the normal line of type, often in mathematical or chemical formulas. For example, "In the chemical formula H₂O, the '2' is a subscript."

What's the difference between a "subscript" and a superscript?

A "subscript" is a character or symbol that is positioned slightly below the normal line of type, while a superscript is positioned slightly above the line. In mathematical notation, both "superscripts" and "subscripts" serve different purposes.

Which is correct: "subscript" or "sub script"?

"Subscript" is the correct spelling. "Sub script" as two separate words is incorrect and should not be used.

What are some examples of "subscript" usage in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "subscript" is commonly used in chemical formulas (e.g., CO₂), mathematical equations (e.g., x₁), and physical notations to indicate specific variables or quantities.