that symbolizes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that symbolizes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something represents or stands for a particular idea, concept, or quality. Example: "The dove is a bird that symbolizes peace and harmony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Something that symbolizes a single desire today.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many carried banners scrawled with slogans and white and yellow chrysanthemums, a flower that symbolizes mourning.

The New York Times

Thus, it presents a myth that symbolizes the world's origin, fall, and redemption.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dish that symbolizes Sacramone's for me was a special listed as "Papa's all-time favorite".

The New York Times

The women's team is nicknamed Nadeshiko, after a pink flower that symbolizes classic Japanese beauty.

The New York Times - Sports

The ceremony is performed under a ḥuppa, a canopy that symbolizes the bridal bower.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We will finally have a corporate epicenter that symbolizes our new collaborative culture," Mr. Galli said.

The New York Times

In short, Mr. Hussein's gun is a trophy that symbolizes victories both military and psychic.

The New York Times

The mihrab is a niche facing Mecca that symbolizes the entry into paradise.

The New York Times - Books

A win against the Seattle Sounders that symbolizes the team's ability to win in hostile territory.

The Guardian - Sport

Jameao sits astride a road, a major artery to the coast, that symbolizes Somalia's paralysis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that symbolizes", ensure the connection between the symbol and what it represents is clear to your audience. Avoid vague or obscure symbolism that might confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on abstract symbols without providing adequate context. Readers may misinterpret the intended meaning if the symbol's connection to the concept is not well-established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that symbolizes" functions as a relative clause, specifically a restrictive (or defining) relative clause. It modifies a noun, providing essential information about what the noun represents. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig show it connects subjects to their symbolic representations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that symbolizes" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to establish a clear connection between a subject and its symbolic representation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to define or explain the meaning behind a symbol across a broad range of contexts, predominantly in news, encyclopedic content, and scientific writing. While maintaining a neutral to formal tone, alternatives like "that represents" or "that signifies" can provide subtle shifts in emphasis. When employing this phrase, ensure the symbolism is accessible and well-defined to prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that represents

Replaces 'symbolizes' with 'represents', focusing on the act of standing in place of something else.

that signifies

Emphasizes the act of indicating or denoting something.

that embodies

Highlights the act of giving a tangible form to an abstract idea.

that exemplifies

Focuses on serving as a typical example of something.

that denotes

Implies a more formal and explicit indication of meaning.

that stands for

A more informal way of expressing representation or meaning.

that is emblematic of

Highlights the quality of being a symbol or representation of something else.

that mirrors

Suggests a reflection or close resemblance to something else.

that illustrates

Focuses on clarifying or explaining something through example or analogy.

that connotes

Emphasizes the implied or associated meaning of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "that symbolizes" to connect a noun to its symbolic meaning. For example: "The dove is a bird "that symbolizes" peace".

What's a formal alternative to "that symbolizes"?

A more formal alternative to "that symbolizes" is "that denotes", which suggests a more explicit indication of meaning.

Which is correct, "that symbolizes" or "which symbolizes"?

"That symbolizes" is typically used in restrictive clauses that are essential to the meaning of the sentence, while "which symbolizes" is used in non-restrictive clauses that add extra information. Consider the context to determine the appropriate choice.

What can I say instead of "that symbolizes"?

You can use alternatives like "that represents", "that embodies", or "that signifies" depending on the nuance you want to convey.