that denotes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that denotes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to specify or clarify the meaning of a word or phrase. Example: "The term 'biodiversity' is a scientific term that denotes the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Something like" is the phrase that denotes her caution.

The Guardian - Books

The other problem was where to stick the bit that denotes a lazy node.

Stanford University

typespec---a type specifier that denotes a subtype of type real.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

She started wearing a hijab, the head scarf that denotes modesty among Muslim women.

The New York Times

It is true that Ms. Jarrar has a résumé that denotes both talent and resilience.

The New York Times

The thick, white scar that denotes my son's entrance into the world runs across the tattoo.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Widely mocked it might be, but it's a look that denotes capitalist success.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And, when I say 'clever', I mean a word that denotes the complete absence of intelligence.

The Guardian - Film

"'Inshallah' or 'God willing' is actually a phrase that denotes optimism," he explained.

The New York Times

Next we discuss xenotransplantation an incredibly cool word that denotes the transfer of animal organs into humans.

Harvard University

The Uno waits for a signal that denotes a strum, and then reads the strum pattern across the four strings.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that denotes", ensure the connection between the subject and what it denotes is clear to the reader. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient context.

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple clauses with "that denotes" in a single sentence. This can lead to convoluted and difficult-to-read prose. Break down complex ideas into simpler sentences for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that denotes" functions as a relative clause introducing information that clarifies or defines the noun or concept preceding it. As Ludwig AI points out, it is considered grammatically correct in written English. Examples show its versatility in specifying the meaning behind a term, symbol, or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

24%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that denotes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to define or clarify a term, symbol, or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct. Its prevalence across news, academic, and scientific sources highlights its utility in providing clarity and precision. While alternatives like ""that signifies"" or ""that indicates"" exist, "that denotes" remains a versatile and reliable choice for explicating meaning in various contexts. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid overly complex sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that signifies

Replaces "denotes" with a synonym implying a deeper, symbolic meaning.

that indicates

Focuses on pointing out or showing something, emphasizing a clear connection.

that represents

Suggests standing in place of something else, implying a symbolic or iconic role.

that signifies

Implies a deeper symbolic meaning beyond a simple definition.

that symbolizes

Highlights the use of a symbol to represent an idea or concept.

that embodies

Suggests representing something in a tangible or concrete form.

that implies

Indicates a subtle or indirect suggestion of something.

that suggests

Presents a possible conclusion or idea, less direct than "denotes".

that alludes to

Hints at something indirectly, often requiring further context to understand.

that connotes

Focuses on the associated or implied meaning, rather than the literal definition.

FAQs

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

Use "that denotes" to clarify the meaning of a specific term or symbol. For example, "The red color in the diagram is a symbol "that denotes" high risk".

What are some alternatives to "that denotes"?

Alternatives include "that signifies", "that represents", or "that indicates". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "that denotes" or "which denotes"?

"That denotes" is generally used in restrictive clauses, which are essential to the meaning of the sentence. "Which denotes" is used in non-restrictive clauses, which add extra information but are not essential. For example, "A symbol that denotes peace is often used internationally" (essential) versus "The dove, which denotes peace, is a common symbol" (extra information).

What is the difference between "that denotes" and "that implies"?

"That denotes" refers to the explicit or direct meaning of something, while "that implies" suggests an indirect or subtle meaning. For example, a logo "that denotes" quality shows the company's promise, and good customer service "that implies" the company cares about its customers.