than it represents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "than it represents" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when making a comparison that highlights a difference in meaning or significance between two things. Example: "The data may suggest a trend that is more complex than it represents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Be aware that what other mothers post on Facebook may not represent the reality of their parenting experiences any more than it represents yours.

The Guardian - Opinion

Respondents also believe Trump's vice presidential choice reflects "politics as usual" more so than it "represents change".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Therefore, the LR will merely be used to determine whether the evidence provides more or less (or equal) support for one of the hypotheses over the other, rather than that it represents the aforementioned probative value of the evidence.

Crime Science

It is more likely that this previously not described finding is causally linked to the mutation in the tumor suppressor gene PTCH than that it represents the outcome of an entirely independent pathogenetic chain of events.

BMC Cancer

For all these (potentially) frightening reasons, "social networks should obtain a consumer's affirmative express consent before using a consumer's image or any biometric data derived from that image in a materially different manner than it represented when it collected the data," explains the report [emphasis added].

TechCrunch

The Facts: There's no better caricature of fame in the 21st century and all that it represents than Tyra Banks.

Huffington Post

When the value of the ratio is greater (smaller) than 1.0, it represents a higher (lower) risk under ENSO than normal.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

"It symbolises the traditions of Liverpool and more than anything it represents the new Liverpool".

The Guardian

Because Vista requires more processing power than XP, it represents both a hardware and a software upgrade.

The New York Times

In the early 1990s, John H. Conway and his students, particularly William Schneeberger and Christopher Simons, looked at this question a different way, asking whether there is a number c such that, if a quadratic form represents integers less than c, it represents all integers.

The Guardian

Ehrsam says that while it may be riskier and newer than Bitcoin, it represents the bleeding edge of digital currencies.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "than it represents" to draw a distinction between the surface appearance of something and its deeper significance or underlying cause.

Common error

Avoid using "than it represents" when simply comparing two similar things. Ensure that the comparison highlights a difference in meaning or significance, rather than just a difference in quantity or quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "than it represents" functions as a comparative connector. It introduces a clause that contrasts a superficial or initial understanding of something with a deeper or more accurate interpretation. Ludwig's analysis indicates its role in highlighting a distinction between appearance and reality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "than it represents" serves as a comparative tool to suggest a divergence between the outward appearance of something and its underlying meaning. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and utility in emphasizing deeper significance. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, it encourages a more nuanced understanding. When using this phrase, consider the specific meaning you wish to convey beyond surface-level interpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather than it indicating

Emphasizes what something points to or suggests, contrasting representation with indication.

rather than it reflects

Focuses on the accuracy of portrayal or mirroring, contrasting representation with accurate reflection.

beyond what it signifies

Suggests that something has greater importance or meaning than its immediate indication.

rather than it shows

Emphasizes what something demonstrates or reveals, shifting focus from representation to presentation.

instead of it meaning

Shifts the focus from representation to direct meaning or intention.

more than it symbolizes

Highlights a difference in the degree of symbolic meaning, suggesting something exceeds its symbolic value.

more so than it exhibits

Focuses on observable qualities, contrasting representation with actual display or demonstration.

instead of it portraying

Replaces representation with portrayal, emphasizing the act of depicting something.

as opposed to it embodying

Contrasts representation with embodiment, focusing on physical or tangible manifestation.

as distinct from it being

Highlights a difference in the fundamental nature, suggesting something is other than what it appears.

FAQs

How can I use "than it represents" in a sentence?

Use "than it represents" to indicate that something has a deeper meaning or implication beyond its initial appearance. For example, "The data may suggest a trend that is more complex "than it represents"".

What can I say instead of "than it represents"?

You can use alternatives like "than it indicates" or "than it shows" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "more than it represents"?

Yes, saying "more than it represents" is grammatically correct and implies that something is greater or more significant than what it outwardly shows. It emphasizes a difference in magnitude or importance.

What is the difference between "than it represents" and "than it reflects"?

"Than it represents" implies a deeper meaning beyond the surface, while "than it reflects" focuses on the accuracy of mirroring or portraying something. The former suggests hidden significance, the latter, accurate depiction.