a definitive conclusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definitive conclusion" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to a conclusion reached after careful consideration of facts, or to refer to a conclusion that is accepted as indisputable or authoritative. For example: "After months of research, the scientists finally came to a definitive conclusion about the cause of the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they have yet to reach a definitive conclusion about the source of the funds.

The New York Times

Otherwise, the study will continue until enough information is collected to reach a definitive conclusion.

The New York Times

To most psychoanalysts, this idea suggested that therapy can reach a definitive conclusion.

The New Yorker

In 128 cases, the government said it lacked enough information to reach a definitive conclusion.

The New York Times

Either way, it could be months or years before the courts would reach a definitive conclusion.

The New York Times

To reach a definitive conclusion on the question, a forward-looking trial is essential.

Independent

Three separate inquiries have been unable to come to a definitive conclusion about what happened on the fateful night.

The Guardian

How much longer do you have to extend your research to come up with a definitive conclusion?

The New York Times - Sports

Halperin wisely avoided reaching a definitive conclusion on whether Romney was going to confirm his entry to the 2016 contest.

The New Yorker

Without full access to secret intelligence, I'm not capable of making a definitive conclusion on this subject.

The New Yorker

But it said the interests of LVMH shareholders dictated that the company "bring a definitive conclusion" to the proceedings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definitive conclusion" when you want to emphasize that a decision or judgment is final, clear, and based on solid evidence. It's suitable for formal writing, reports, and discussions where clarity and certainty are important.

Common error

Avoid using "a definitive conclusion" when the evidence is not entirely conclusive or when there is still room for doubt. Instead, use phrases like "a likely conclusion" or "a tentative conclusion" to reflect the level of certainty accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definitive conclusion" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., reach, draw, come to) or as a complement to a preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definitive conclusion" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase to express that a final, certain judgment has been reached. Its usage is common in formal contexts such as news, science, and academic writing, emphasizing clarity and resolution. While highly authoritative, it's important to ensure the evidence supports such a strong assertion. Consider alternatives like "a firm resolution" or "a clear determination" when the situation requires a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a conclusive resolution

Combines "conclusive" with "resolution" to emphasize both finality and problem-solving.

a final judgment

Replaces "conclusion" with "judgment", emphasizing the legal or formal aspect of the decision.

a decisive outcome

Focuses on the outcome being decisive and resolving the matter.

a clear determination

Substitutes "conclusion" with "determination", highlighting the act of deciding clearly.

an unambiguous finding

Emphasizes the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the conclusion.

a firm resolution

Replaces "conclusion" with "resolution", emphasizing the firmness of the decision.

an indisputable result

Highlights the lack of argument or doubt surrounding the conclusion.

an absolute certainty

Shifts the focus to the certainty of the outcome rather than the process of concluding.

an established fact

Presents the conclusion as something that has been proven and accepted as true.

a settled agreement

Focuses on the agreement reached, suggesting a consensus.

FAQs

How can I use "a definitive conclusion" in a sentence?

You can use "a definitive conclusion" to indicate that a final and certain decision has been reached. For example: "After reviewing all the evidence, the committee reached "a definitive conclusion" regarding the project's viability."

What are some alternatives to "a definitive conclusion"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a clear determination", "a final judgment", or "a conclusive resolution". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a definitive conclusion"?

It's appropriate when you want to express that a decision is final and based on solid evidence. Avoid using it when the evidence is not entirely conclusive or when there is still room for doubt.

What's the difference between "a definitive conclusion" and "a tentative conclusion"?

"A definitive conclusion" suggests a final and certain judgment, while "a tentative conclusion" indicates a preliminary or provisional finding that may be subject to change based on further information.