that signifies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that signifies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to explain or clarify the meaning of a term or concept. Example: "The term 'ecosystem' refers to a community of living organisms and their environment, that signifies the interconnectedness of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Most are redheads, if that signifies anything).

The New Yorker

It is the fruit that signifies youth, beauty, even immortality.

The New York Times - Style

It is a small difference that signifies major change.

The New York Times

It's my presence, more than my accomplishments, that signifies change".

The New York Times - Magazine

The lump in your throat that signifies your newfound understanding that this was inevitable.

The Guardian - Film

"You certainly don't want this on your first new vehicle that signifies a turnaround".

The New York Times

80 min: The prison siren that signifies that time is up has sounded.

The Guardian - Sport

But it's Mr. Mason's style and not his subject matter that signifies.

The New York Times

Sometimes you can use a valediction that signifies something in addition to "goodbye".

The New Yorker

(Weirdly, "Gordon Brown is a moron" returns almost 60 million. I don't know what that signifies).

The Guardian - Opinion

It is no coincidence the tournament that signifies soccer faced similar challenges.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that signifies" to clearly link a symbol, action, or event to its underlying meaning or importance. This helps create a stronger understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "that signifies" when a simpler verb like "means" or "indicates" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. Use "that signifies" when it provides a richer or more symbolic connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that signifies" functions as a relative clause introducing information that elaborates on the meaning or importance of a preceding noun. It connects a symbol, sign, action, or event to its underlying significance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that signifies" is a versatile phrase used to connect a sign, symbol, action, or event with its deeper meaning. It functions as a relative clause and finds frequent use across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, consider alternative phrases like "that indicates" or "that represents" for simpler explanations. Ludwig's analysis reveals its neutral register and high frequency in news, media, and wiki sources. Remember to employ it thoughtfully to enhance clarity and avoid unnecessary complexity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that indicates

Focuses on pointing out or showing something, rather than imbuing it with meaning.

that represents

Emphasizes standing in for or symbolizing something else.

that denotes

Highlights the role of explicitly marking or designating something.

that symbolizes

More specific to symbolic representation, less about general meaning.

that implies

Suggests something without directly stating it, focusing on indirect meaning.

that suggests

Similar to implies, but can also refer to a proposition or recommendation.

that alludes to

Implies an indirect reference, often to something well-known.

that points to

Emphasizes direction or consequence more than inherent meaning.

that embodies

Suggests capturing the essence or spirit of something.

that constitutes

Indicates forming or composing something, rather than just representing it.

FAQs

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

Use "that signifies" to connect a sign, symbol, or event with its deeper meaning. For example: "The red rose is a symbol "that signifies" love and passion."

What are some alternatives to "that signifies"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "that indicates", "that represents", or "that symbolizes".

Is it better to use "that signifies" or "that indicates"?

The choice depends on the context. "That signifies" is suitable when emphasizing the symbolic meaning of something, while "that indicates" is more appropriate when simply pointing out a fact or piece of information.

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

"That signifies" highlights a direct representation or meaning, whereas "that implies" suggests something indirectly or subtly. For example, a smile "that signifies" happiness, while a raised eyebrow "that implies" skepticism.