what does it represent

USAGE SUMMARY

"What does it represent?" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you're asking a question about something's meaning or purpose. For example: "This symbol appears on the map – what does it represent?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"What does it represent?" I asked.

The New York Times

What does it represent?" The civilians donned the hats.

The New Yorker

Killing 1 fighter out of 100 000, what does it represent?

The Guardian

(What does it represent or mean now? What do you think caused these changes?) Once research is complete, each pair should create an interesting and colorful classroom poster, collage, book or other creative piece that traces the "evolution" of this historic American emblem and that includes all research responses.

The New York Times

… what does it represent?

Latin American Economic Review

But what does it represent?

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Cruddas admitted: "In my constituency there is a fundamental question about what Labour is, who does it represent, and what is it for – all compounded by some of those issues of nationhood".

The Guardian

In this section, we will reflect on three questions: to what extent does the Park Cuijk case represent bioenergy, to what extent does it represent an extension of bioenergy towards smart biomass use and to what extent does it represent the ideal of smart biomass use that a great proportion of policymakers embrace.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

What wider social process does it represent (capitalism, social disintegration, modernization, class conflict, etc).? Whose interests does it favour?

History of the Human Sciences

When informed consent is required, what kind of requirement does it represent?

SEP

Apatow said, "We never talked about it in terms of 'What does it mean to represent a secular Muslim onscreen?' We talked about telling Kumail's story, and that led us, naturally, to questions about family and culture and religion".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what does it represent", ensure the 'it' is clearly defined in the context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just asking "What does it represent?", specify "What does this symbol represent?".

Common error

Avoid using "what does it represent" without a clear antecedent. Ensure the 'it' has been previously mentioned or is obvious from the context; otherwise, the question becomes confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what does it represent" functions as an interrogative clause. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered a correct and usable phrase. Its primary function is to seek information about the meaning, symbolism, or purpose of a particular subject or concept.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what does it represent" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed interrogative phrase used to inquire about the significance, meaning, or symbolism of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, its formality is generally neutral, allowing for versatile application. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the 'it' to avoid ambiguity. Related inquiries might explore alternative phrasings like "what is its significance" or "what is the meaning of it", offering nuanced ways to seek understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is the meaning of it

Directly asks for the underlying meaning or interpretation.

what does it stand for

Inquires about the principles or values it embodies.

what does it symbolize

Specifically asks about the symbolic meaning or association.

what is it supposed to mean

Inquires about the intended meaning or conventional understanding.

what is it intended to convey

Focuses on the specific intention behind the representation.

what is its significance

Focuses on the importance or consequence of something rather than its literal representation.

how should it be interpreted

Seeks guidance on the correct or intended interpretation.

what is the purpose of it

Shifts the focus to the intended function or aim.

what message does it convey

Focuses on the communication aspect and the intended message.

what are its implications

Explores the potential consequences or effects.

FAQs

How can I use "what does it represent" in a sentence?

You can use "what does it represent" to inquire about the meaning, purpose, or symbolism of something. For instance, "This statue is in the town square, what does it represent?"

What's a more formal way to ask "what does it represent"?

In a more formal setting, you might ask, "What is its significance?" or "What meaning does it convey?" These alternatives offer a more sophisticated tone than the direct question.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "what does it represent"?

The phrase itself is grammatically correct, but it can be confusing if the "it" lacks a clear referent. Always ensure that the subject is clearly established before using the phrase.

What can I say instead of "what does it represent"?

You can use alternatives like "what is its significance", "what is the meaning of it", or "what does it symbolize" depending on the specific context.