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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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xx

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'xx' is not correct or usable in written English.
It is not part of the English language. Example sentence: I went to the store, xx the grocery list.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 5.33pm AESThe:33 The ümlaüts are back - it's RÜFÜS with a record that makes you realise exactly how influential the xx have been on the current crop of young electronic musicians.

News & Media

The Guardian

Groove Armada and Mumford & Sons, the xx and Julian Casablancas will play the John Peel stage.

Royal Festival Hall, SE1, Wed; Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Fri; touring to 5 Jul JR As one might expect from an event devised by those subeditors' foes, the xx, Night + Day is a less-is-more kind of festival.

His 2011 debut, James Blake (released through Universal and Polydor subsidiary Atlas), borrowed elements of dubstep, but it had much more in common with the intimate, loungey electronica then being popularised by the xx.

xx Email Eva at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @EvaWiseman This article was amended on 15 June 2014 to remove an incorrect reference.

The EU might try to argue that the ban is necessary to "protect public morals", which is possible under article XX.

News & Media

The Economist
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Standardly, those with XX-chromosomes, ovaries that produce large egg cells, female genitalia, a relatively high proportion of 'female' hormones, and other secondary sex characteristics (relatively small body size, less body hair) count as biologically female.

Science

SEP

(On Wyclif's formulation of the formal distinction see Spade 1985, pp. xx-xxxi, and Conti 1997, pp. 158 63).

Science

SEP

The pagan Origen, another student of Ammonius, is a rigorous monist, holding that the supreme god is also the creator of the universe (Porphyry, Life of Plotinus 3.32, Proclus, Platonic Theology II.4.9-22 II.4.9-22rey-Weseerink, Proclus Théologie Platonicienne vol. II, X-XX).

Science

SEP

When it does get explicit mention this is often in the introductions or prefaces of books, or in reference works – for example, when it is said that deep ecology's "greatest influence … may be through the diverse forms of environmental activism that it inspires" (Taylor and Zimmerman 2005, compare Rolston 1988, xii, Sessions 1995, xx-xxi, and Sylvan and Bennett 1994, 4 5).

Science

SEP

It sounded pretty good to me, if a bit over-endowed with moody xx/Florence-influenced electronica.

News & Media

The Guardian
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "xx" as a placeholder, ensure that it is clear to the reader that it is not part of the intended content and will be replaced with relevant information later. Provide context or a note to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "xx" as a substitute for actual data or information. It's a placeholder, not a final answer. Always replace it with the correct details when available.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

2.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "xx" primarily functions as a placeholder or marker to indicate missing, redacted, or unspecified content. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this usage appears across various contexts, but its grammatical correctness is disputed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "xx" functions mainly as a placeholder or marker for missing, redacted, or unspecified information. While Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as linguistically incorrect, it appears with some frequency across diverse contexts like science, news media and formal settings, often serving as a signal that content is intentionally omitted or yet to be completed. When using "xx", especially in formal writing, ensure clarity by providing context so readers understand it's acting as placeholder and will be replaced with the correct details in the future.

FAQs

How is "xx" typically used in texts?

"Xx" is often used as a "placeholder" in texts, especially when the specific content is unknown or will be added later. It can also mark "censored content" in sensitive documents.

What are some alternatives to using "xx" in a document?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""placeholder"", "to be completed", or "data missing". Choose the one that best reflects the reason for the missing information.

Is it acceptable to use "xx" in formal writing?

Generally, it's not acceptable to use "xx" in formal writing unless it's clearly indicated as a placeholder or when referencing specific technical or coding contexts where it might have a defined meaning. Alternatives like "details unavailable" are more suitable for formal contexts.

Which is correct, using "xx" or leaving a blank space?

It depends on the situation. Using "xx" can be helpful to show that information is intentionally missing and needs to be filled in, while leaving a blank space might imply that the information was simply overlooked. Ensure that what you use is clear from the context and style guidelines.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

2.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: