that it represents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that it represents" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that symbolizes or stands for another concept, idea, or object. Example: "The painting is a reflection of the emotions that it represents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Boyle says that "it represents everything I believe in".

The Guardian - Arts

A VER is representative in that it represents customer needs.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

This means that it represents any G#, regardless of octave.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

White nationalists hate the inclusion and diversity that it represents.

The New York Times

And that it represents the bottom line for us.

The Guardian

The first is that it represents a missed opportunity.

The Washington Post

Reflect on the aspect of your life that it represents.

The New York Times - Health

It's not just that it represents retro cool.

The New York Times

Few are persuaded that it represents an about-face.

The Economist

The comparison demonstrated that it represents the tested cyclic load displacement hysteresis well.

Engineering Structures

It has an idealised instruction set and constraints common to the VPUs that it represents.

Microprocessors and Microsystems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that it represents", ensure the connection between the subject and what it symbolizes is clear to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify, 'The statue is important only for the principles "that it represents"'.

Common error

Avoid assuming "that it represents" always implies a positive connotation. The phrase is neutral and depends on the context. For example, "Chernobyl, and all "that it represents", remains unfixed" highlights a negative association.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that it represents" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or pronoun by specifying what it symbolizes or stands for. As evidenced by Ludwig, this construction is common across diverse sources, clarifying the symbolic meaning of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

35%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that it represents" functions as a relative clause used to define the symbolic meaning of a subject, a function Ludwig AI confirms is widely used. Its application spans diverse contexts, from academic and scientific writing to news media, exhibiting a neutral register. Its frequency in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its credibility. To ensure clarity, specify the connection between the subject and its symbolic meaning, while recognizing that the phrase's connotation is determined by context. Using alternatives like "that it symbolizes" or "that it stands for" can add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that it symbolizes

Replaces "represents" with "symbolizes", emphasizing the symbolic meaning.

that it stands for

Uses the phrasal verb "stands for" instead of "represents", offering a more informal alternative.

that it embodies

Replaces "represents" with "embodies", suggesting a more complete or concrete manifestation.

that it signifies

Uses "signifies" in place of "represents", highlighting the meaning or importance being conveyed.

that it exemplifies

Replaces "represents" with "exemplifies", suggesting it serves as a typical example.

that it mirrors

Uses "mirrors" to indicate a reflection or close resemblance to something else.

that it reflects

Similar to "mirrors", but with a broader sense of showing or displaying something.

that it indicates

Uses "indicates" to suggest that it points to or suggests something.

that it denotes

Replaces "represents" with "denotes", implying a more formal and explicit meaning.

that it is a symbol of

Expands the phrase to explicitly state that something is a symbol, making it more direct.

FAQs

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

Use "that it represents" to clarify what a particular object, idea, or symbol stands for. For example, "The flag is important only for the principles "that it represents"".

What are some alternatives to "that it represents"?

Alternatives include "that it symbolizes", "that it stands for", or "that it embodies", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "that it represents" in formal writing?

Yes, "that it represents" is suitable for formal writing. It is grammatically correct and widely used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "that it represents" and "that it signifies"?

While both are similar, ""that it represents"" is more general. "that it signifies" often implies a deeper or more meaningful symbolism. The choice depends on the specific context and the intended emphasis.