a definite term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definite term" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific word or phrase that has a clear and unambiguous meaning. Example: "In legal documents, it is important to use a definite term to avoid any confusion regarding the obligations of the parties involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Appointments are for a definite term and carry no expectation of tenure or promotion.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If they are in Leavenworth because they have been sentenced to a definite term after a real trial, the Kansas Tourism Board can probably rest easy.

The New Yorker

Bottomry, a maritime contract (now almost obsolete) by which the owner of a ship borrows money for equipping or repairing the vessel and, for a definite term, pledges the ship as security it being stipulated that if the ship be lost in the specified voyage or period, by any of the perils enumerated, the lender shall lose his money.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Last I heard, there was a definite term sheet for $25 million from Institutional Venture Partners, but it's not clear if OMGPOP is going to move forward with investors.

TechCrunch

<by Act No. 4373, May 31 , 1991; (3) Any person who constitutes or joins an organization aiming at the act as referred to in paragraph (1) shall be punished by imprisonment for a definite term of one or more years; (4) Any person who is a member of the organization as referred to in paragraph (3), and fabricates or.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

circulates any falsies (sic) fact as to the matters which threaten to provoke any confusion of social order, shall be punished by imprisonment for a definite term of two or more years; (5) Any person who manufactures, imports, reproduces, holds, carries, distributes, sells or acquires any.

Asian Journal of German and European Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Given any system such as integer arithmetic or real arithmetic, we can write T for the set of all definite terms, constituting the definite language, and T[V] for the larger indefinite language permitting variables drawn from a set V in place of some of the constant symbols.

SEP

The traditional religious Zhuangzi narratives placed him as the disciple of Laozi, whom they regard as a quasi-divine founder of a mystical religion worshipping a mysterious entity translators tended to render as a definite descriptive term, but capitalized it as if it were a singular name, "The Dào".

SEP

In Toussaint v Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Michigan, 408 Mich 579; 292 NW2d 880 (1980), this Court held that an employment contract providing that an employee would not be terminated except for cause was enforceable although no definite term of employment was stated.

Harvard University

The term 'renal resistive index' is undoubtedly misleading, and the less definite term 'renal vascular index' (RVI) may be better chosen to preclude erroneous interpretation.

Critical Care

Due to their application dates though, I will not receive a (positive) response before October, which is when I want to start working in Cambridge.Are there any short-term fellowships I could apply for in order to bridge a couple of months before I receive a definite long-term fellowship?Urich.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting contracts or legal documents, using "a definite term" ensures clarity and avoids potential disputes regarding the duration of the agreement.

Common error

Be careful not to use "a definite term" when you mean "an indefinite term". "A definite term" specifies a precise duration, while "an indefinite term" implies no fixed end date.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite term" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies has a specific and predetermined duration or limit. As seen in Ludwig, it helps specify the length of agreements, appointments, or even sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definite term" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a specific and predetermined duration. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable. It appears most frequently in academic, news, and scientific contexts, suggesting a formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that you are referring to a period with clear start and end points, and avoid confusing it with "an indefinite term". Consider alternatives like "a fixed period" or "a specific duration" for nuanced variations. Overall, the phrase is appropriate for formal writing where precision is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fixed period

Focuses on the temporal aspect, emphasizing a specific duration.

a specific duration

Highlights the length of time that something lasts.

a set timeframe

Emphasizes the established boundaries of the period.

a determined duration

Stresses that the length of time has been decided beforehand.

a finite term

Indicates the term has an end.

a limited duration

Focuses on the constrained length of the period.

a prescribed time

Highlights that the duration is set by a rule or authority.

a known timeframe

Emphasizes that the duration is clear and understood.

a stipulated period

Highlights that the duration is formally agreed upon.

a precise term

Emphasizes the accuracy and lack of ambiguity in the duration.

FAQs

How to use "a definite term" in a sentence?

You can use "a definite term" to describe a period with a clearly defined duration, such as "The lease agreement is for "a definite term" of one year".

What can I say instead of "a definite term"?

You can use alternatives like "a fixed period", "a specific duration", or "a set timeframe" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a definite term" or "a defined term"?

"A definite term" refers to a period with a fixed duration. "A defined term" indicates that a word or phrase has a specific meaning assigned to it. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "a definite term" and "an indefinite term"?

"A definite term" has a clear end date, whereas "an indefinite term" does not have a specified end date.