to mark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to mark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the action of designating, highlighting, or identifying something. Example: "Please remember to mark your answers clearly on the answer sheet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Easier to mark up.

The New Yorker

That seemed to mark an important shift.

The Economist

"Özil is a difficult man to mark.

Independent

I want to apologize to Mark".

The New York Times - Sports

Canaries like to mark Sundays as well.

The New Yorker

I immediately decided to mark my territory.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

(Thanks to Mark-Willem Dogterom).

Harvard University

He knew what happened to Mark Johnson.

The New York Times - Sports

For an example, listen to Mark Goble.

Forbes

Thanks to Mark Silis.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Thanks to Mark Levinson.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to mark" to indicate a boundary, ensure clarity by specifying what is being separated or defined.

Common error

While versatile, "to mark" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to show" or "to point out" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to mark" is as an infinitive, often used to express purpose or intention. As Ludwig AI exemplifies, it's used across diverse contexts, from marking territory to marking occasions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to mark" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English, signifying actions related to identification, designation, or commemoration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appears across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to avoid overuse in very informal settings. Related phrases include "to designate", "to indicate", and "to identify". When using "to mark", ensure the context is clear, specifying what is being marked or defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to designate

Focuses on formally assigning a specific role or purpose.

to indicate

Emphasizes pointing out or showing something, often with a sign or symbol.

to identify

Highlights the process of recognizing or establishing what something is.

to label

Implies attaching a tag or name to something for categorization.

to highlight

Focuses on drawing attention to a specific aspect or feature.

to denote

Suggests explicitly representing something with a symbol or term.

to commemorate

Specifically refers to honoring or remembering an event or person.

to celebrate

Implies marking an occasion with joy and festivity.

to register

Focuses on formally recording or documenting something.

to acknowledge

Emphasizes recognizing the importance or validity of something.

FAQs

How can I use "to mark" in a sentence?

The phrase "to mark" is used to indicate the act of designating, highlighting, or identifying something. For example: "It's important "to mark the occasion"" or "Use chalk "to mark your cut lines"".

What are some alternatives to "to mark"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to designate", "to indicate", or "to identify".

Is it correct to say "mark the spot" or "to mark the spot"?

Both phrases are correct but have slightly different usages. "Mark the spot" is often an imperative, a command to someone to mark a specific location. "To mark the spot" is an infinitive phrase describing the action of marking a location.

What's the difference between "to mark" and "to highlight"?

"To mark" is a broader term that includes various forms of identification or designation. "To highlight" specifically refers to drawing attention to something, emphasizing its importance or visibility.