that represent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that represent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that symbolizes, depicts, or stands for another thing, often in a descriptive or explanatory context. Example: "The colors in the painting that represent the emotions of the artist are vibrant and striking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Or those bandannas that represent gangs.

The New York Times

Does that represent you fully?

The Guardian

Does that represent the wrong priority for America?

The New York Times

Consider the materials, designs, colors, etc. that represent this identity.

The New York Times

Within the temple are seven columns that represent seven angels.

The New York Times

I'm always portraying things that represent other things.

The New York Times - Magazine

They also are typically not images that represent attractiveness honestly.

Independent

"Gastronomy encompasses many elements that represent France," he said.

The New York Times

The people that represent me sort of make those decisions.

The New York Times

"Many people are fed up with the programmed robots that represent us," he said.

The New York Times

The unions that represent actors in television commercials are on strike.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that represent" to highlight a direct, intentional act of symbolism or portrayal. This strengthens the connection between the subject and the idea it embodies.

Common error

Avoid using "that represent" when the relationship is weak or implied. Using this phrase effectively depends on the strength and clarity of the relationship, so make it obvious to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that represent" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun phrase by providing additional information about its role as a symbol or depiction of something else. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where it connects concrete objects or ideas to abstract concepts, such as "columns that represent angels".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

31%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that represent" is a relative clause used to explain the symbolic or descriptive relationship between a subject and what it stands for. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific articles, and wiki pages. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the connection is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "that symbolize" or "that embody" can add nuance, but "that represent" remains a reliable choice for establishing a direct link between a subject and its representation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that symbolize

Replaces "represent" with a more direct synonym, focusing on symbolic meaning.

that embody

Suggests a more complete or perfect expression of something.

that stand for

A common and straightforward alternative, emphasizing the idea of substitution or representation.

that depict

Focuses on visual or descriptive representation.

that illustrate

Highlights the use of examples or instances to demonstrate a concept.

that signify

Emphasizes the communicative aspect of representation.

that mirror

Implies a close and accurate reflection of something.

that correspond to

Highlights a direct relationship or equivalence.

that exemplify

Indicates that something serves as a typical or outstanding example.

that are symbolic of

Expands the phrase to explicitly include "symbolic", adding emphasis.

FAQs

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

Use "that represent" to describe items, symbols, or concepts that stand for or exemplify something else. For instance, "The colors "that represent hope" in the painting are vibrant."

What are some alternatives to "that represent"?

Alternatives include "that symbolize", "that embody", or "that stand for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "that represent" and "that symbolize"?

"That represent" is a broader term, while "that symbolize" specifically implies a symbolic relationship. You would use "that represent" when something simply stands for something else, while "that symbolize" is used when the relationship is inherently symbolic.

Can I use "that represent" to describe physical depictions?

Yes, you can use "that represent" to describe physical depictions, but "that depict" might be more appropriate. For example, "The statues "that represent freedom"." Or better yet: "The statues "that depict freedom"."