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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

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

xx xx

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "xx xx" is not correct or usable in written English as it lacks meaning and context.
It cannot be used in any meaningful way without additional information or context to clarify its intent. Example: "The code is represented as xx xx, which needs to be decoded."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

articulata Vahl Iran xx xx         x     x         ?

xx xx     x xxx xx     xx   x3 xx3 xx3   x3   Tamarix sp. Gansu, China ?

Uzbekistan x xxx xx     x   x xx xx xx               Tamarix sp. Uzbekistan ?

From: XXXXX XXXXX <[email protected]> Date: XXXXXXX XX, 2008 X:XX:XX AM PDT Subject: Re: Google Opportunities- Follow up email….

News & Media

TechCrunch

Iran x x   xx xx xx     xx   x           xx   10050-15 Iran x x   xxx               x x           10050-25 Iran x x   xxx     trace         x xx           Unless otherwise indicated, all glycosides and sulfates are attached at the flavonol 3-hydroxy group.

Subjects were described as XX, xx, PP, pp, homozygotes; and Xx or Pp heterozygotes.

Science

BMJ Open
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

[O'Dwyer T, Monaghan A, Moran J, O'Shea F, Wilson F (2016) Behaviour change intervention increases physical activity, spinal mobility and quality of life in adults with ankylosing spondylitis: a randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy XX: XX-XX].

The up- and downstream sequences of PgiC2, PgiC1 and of PgiC from P. palustris have been deposited in GenBank (accession no. xx-xx).

Science

Plosone

RR XX 95% CI XX-XX, NNT XX 95% CI XX-XX fording for this project has been acquired from Leeds Health Authority to cover costs of employing a part time Trial Co-ordinator.

Within our local context, anecdotal reports suggest that the phrase 'based on your pre-pregnancy weight, you should aim to gain xx-xx kg for the healthiest pregnancy possible' is well received by pregnant women.

Results of the overall population revealed that XbaI XX homozygotes present a roughly 1.67-fold higher risk of developing periodontitis than subjects with the xx genotype and 2.07-fold higher risk than carriers with Xx and xx genotypes.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "xx xx" in formal writing. It is ambiguous and lacks a clear, established meaning. Instead, use specific terms or placeholders that accurately convey your intended meaning, such as "placeholder value" or "missing information".

Common error

Don't assume readers will understand "xx xx" as a placeholder. Always clarify the intended meaning with descriptive labels or comments.

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

76%

Authority and reliability

2.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "xx xx" primarily functions as a placeholder or marker for missing or unspecified information. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is not correct or usable in written English without additional context. It appears in code snippets, data tables, and general text where information has been intentionally omitted or is yet to be determined.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

Wiki

25%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "xx xx" is an ambiguous phrase primarily used as a placeholder for missing or redacted information. Ludwig AI flags it as incorrect without additional context. Its informal nature and lack of precision make it unsuitable for formal writing. When you need to denote missing information, it’s best to replace it with more explicit alternatives like "unspecified data" or "placeholder value". While it appears across a range of sources, including scientific and media outlets, its presence does not indicate grammatical correctness or best practice.

FAQs

What does "xx xx" usually mean?

The meaning of "xx xx" is heavily context-dependent, often serving as a placeholder for omitted or unspecified data. Without further context, it's difficult to determine its precise meaning. Consider alternatives like "missing information" or "placeholder value" to increase clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "xx xx"?

Using "xx xx" is generally discouraged in formal writing due to its ambiguity. It might be acceptable in technical contexts where it's pre-defined as a placeholder or when redacting sensitive information. However, clear communication should always be prioritized. Provide explanations for any placeholders used.

How can I avoid ambiguity when using placeholders like "xx xx"?

To avoid ambiguity, provide context or a key explaining the placeholders you use. For example, state that "xx" represents redacted data or a missing value. Alternatively, use more descriptive placeholders, such as "unspecified data" or "redacted content".

What are some formal alternatives to "xx xx"?

In formal writing, replace "xx xx" with precise terms that accurately describe the missing information. Options include "unspecified data", "omitted details", or "redacted information", depending on the specific context.

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Source & Trust

76%

Authority and reliability

2.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: