a definite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definite" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is certain or clearly established, or a clear decision or conclusion. For example, "We were able to come to a definite answer on the issue after much discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a definite improvement.

Independent

That's a definite no.

The New York Times

"So he's a definite leader.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is a definite plus".

The New York Times

That would be a definite.

The New York Times

That is a definite.

The Guardian

"That's a definite positive.

The New York Times

A definite weakness.

The New York Times - Health

"The handball is a definite".

The Guardian - Sport

There was a definite appeal.

The New York Times

"So it's a definite privilege.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair it with abstract nouns like "improvement", "advantage", "plus" or "possibility" to strengthen your descriptive claims.

Common error

Avoid using "a definite" when you actually mean "a definitive". While "a definite" means something is certain or clear, "definitive" means something is the final word or the most authoritative version of its kind. For example, a "definite answer" is simply a clear one, but a "definitive answer" is the final, conclusive one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite" primarily functions as a determiner paired with an adjective. In most cases found in Ludwig, it modifies a noun to specify that the noun's quality is certain, fixed or clearly defined. It acts as a powerful qualifier to remove hesitation from a statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a definite" is a robust and highly versatile expression used to denote certainty and clarity. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in high-quality journalism and professional writing. It serves as a strong modifier for nouns, emphasizing that a condition—such as an "improvement", "advantage" or "need"—is clear and undeniable. While it is predominantly used as an adjective phrase, informal usage occasionally allows it to function as a noun to mean "a certainty". Writers should be careful to distinguish it from "definitive", which implies finality rather than just clarity. Overall, it is a reliable choice for any context where you want to project confidence and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear

Focuses on the lack of ambiguity or visual obviousness of the subject.

a definitive

Suggests a final, authoritative conclusion that cannot be questioned or changed.

an unequivocal

A more formal choice that emphasizes that there is only one possible interpretation.

a distinct

Highlights that something is easily distinguishable or separate from others.

a certain

Used when referring to something known to be true but perhaps not fully specified.

a precise

Focuses on accuracy and exactness rather than just the absence of doubt.

a concrete

Suggests something tangible, real or based on solid evidence.

a manifest

A formal alternative meaning clear or obvious to the eye or mind.

a categorical

Implies an absolute statement that leaves no room for exceptions.

a solid

Common in professional contexts to describe an advantage or improvement that is reliable.

FAQs

How do I use "a definite" in a sentence?

You can use "a definite" as an adjective phrase modifying a noun to show certainty, such as "there is "a definite" advantage to this plan" or "we saw "a definite" improvement in the results".

What is the difference between "a definite" and "a definitive"?

While both imply certainty, "a definite" refers to something being clear or sure, whereas ""a definitive"" refers to something being the final, most complete, or authoritative example of its kind.

What can I say instead of "a definite"?

Depending on your context, you can use "a clear", "a certain", or "an unequivocal" to convey a similar sense of certainty.

Is "a definite" used as a noun?

Yes, in informal contexts, people often use "a definite" as a noun to mean a certainty, for example, "The handball is "a definite"" or "That's "a definite" no".