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In a mathematical context (explaining a formula just written) the following seems unobjectionable: "The set of unitary polynomials has been denoted by P". My question is whether it sounds right to skip the preposition "by", so that the sentence would read: "The set of unitary polynomials has been denoted P".

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You also have "denoted as" – Theta30 Dec 17 '11 at 7:08

2 Answers

up vote 6 down vote accepted

It's a standard passive voice construction, whereby

P denotes the set of unitary polynomials

becomes

the set of unitary polynomials is denoted by P

Of course, people tend to shorten things: the form “denoted P” is actually used both in oral and writing, but is the minority according to a couple of quick Google Scholar searches: “is denoted by x” vs. “is denoted x”.

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You are right, of course, F'x. However I would like to know if the alternative sentence, without the "by", would sound wrong to a native speaker. – Georges Elencwajg May 13 '11 at 7:31
Ah, so it seems the alternative is possible but not so popular.Thanks, this was exactly what I wanted to know.. – Georges Elencwajg May 13 '11 at 9:54
up vote 4 down vote
  • The set of unitary polynomials is denoted by P.

OR

  • The set of unitary polynomials, denoted P, ...

I found both correct.

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True dat!   – F'x May 13 '11 at 7:38
Thank you Boob: this confirms F'x's answer. – Georges Elencwajg May 13 '11 at 7:48

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