a definitive study

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definitive study" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a research study that is considered to be conclusive or authoritative on a particular subject. Example: "The researchers conducted a definitive study on the effects of climate change on marine biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Is it a definitive study?

The New York Times - Health

It wasn't a definitive study.

The Guardian - Tech

Campbell wrote The Masks of God, a definitive study of world mythology.

The Guardian

The book is a definitive study of the Muslim rebellion in the Philippines.

The New York Times

But a definitive study was needed, which is how TAILORx came about.

The New York Times - Health

"This is a definitive study that says that the ecosystem of skin determines the microbial diversity," Dr. Segre said.

The New York Times - Science

"Now everything is organized and accounted for and they are doing a definitive study of garment dates," Mr. Lomba said.

The New York Times

Congress this year ordered the Interior Department to conduct a definitive study of the red wolf's origin.

The Washington Post

A definitive study like this one makes it clear his hollowness will have a heavy price.

The New York Times

He left unfinished materials for a definitive study of the contributions of blacks to American culture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Finally, Bob Wise turned to me and said: 'Look, Ernie, we're not making a definitive study of juvenile delinquency,' " he recalled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to "a definitive study", ensure that the study's methodology and findings are widely accepted within the relevant field. Use the phrase to indicate a study that has significantly influenced understanding or practice.

Common error

Avoid describing a study as "a definitive study" prematurely. Reserve this label for research that has stood the test of time and has not been significantly challenged by subsequent research.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definitive study" functions as a noun phrase, where 'definitive' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'study'. It typically serves to describe a particular piece of research or analysis, asserting its authoritativeness and conclusiveness. Ludwig examples show use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

39%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a definitive study" is used to describe a research project, analysis, or report that is considered authoritative and conclusive on a particular subject. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, especially in news, science, and academic publications. While "a definitive study" is a strong claim, it should be used carefully and reserved for research that is widely accepted and has stood the test of time. Related phrases include "a comprehensive analysis" and "an exhaustive investigation", offering alternative ways to emphasize the thoroughness and reliability of research.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A conclusive research

Highlights the decisive and final nature of the research findings.

A comprehensive analysis

Focuses on the breadth and depth of the analysis conducted.

A comprehensive review

Focuses on a broad and inclusive overview of a topic.

A detailed analysis

Highlights the level of detail and granularity in the analysis.

An exhaustive investigation

Emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the investigation.

An in-depth investigation

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the investigation.

A thorough examination

Underscores the detailed and careful nature of the examination.

A rigorous study

Highlights the strict methodology and high standards applied in the study.

An authoritative report

Stresses the credibility and expertise behind the report.

A landmark study

Implies the study is a significant and important contribution to the field.

FAQs

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

You can use "a definitive study" to refer to a research project or report that is considered the most authoritative or conclusive on a particular subject. For example: "The book is "a definitive study" of the Muslim rebellion in the Philippines."

What's the difference between "a definitive study" and "a comprehensive study"?

"A definitive study" suggests a conclusive and authoritative piece of research, while "a comprehensive study" indicates a thorough and wide-ranging investigation. A study can be comprehensive without being definitive if it doesn't provide conclusive answers.

Which is correct, "a definitive study" or "the definitive study"?

Both are correct, but they imply different things. "A definitive study" suggests that it is one of perhaps several possible definitive studies, while "the definitive study" suggests it is the most authoritative or only definitive work on the subject.

What can I say instead of "a definitive study"?

You can use alternatives like "a conclusive research", "an exhaustive investigation", or "a landmark study" depending on the context.