be explicit with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be explicit with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to provide clear and detailed information or instructions about a particular topic. Example: "Please be explicit with your feedback so that I can understand your concerns better."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Earlier this month, a Wall Street banker turned philosophy lecturer launched We-Consent, an app to help young people document when they've given one another explicit permission to, well, be explicit with each other.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rather than singling out the SNP, which has claimed that the powers contained in the Scotland Bill fall "far short" of what was promised in the wake of 2014's referendum on independence, Mr Mundell will tell all parties to be "explicit" with their plans so the electorate can make an informed decision.

Independent

You can be explicit with the locations, drawing in data from Niantic Labs' Field Trip app, or incredibly vague, leaving hints about where they should go next.

TechCrunch

Men's sexuality is allowed to be explicit with a literal sex robot in the shape of an unrealistically proportioned woman and VR porn in point of pride along the aisle.

TechCrunch

"We always encourage people to be explicit with providers about every step," he said.

Los Angeles Times

Rationing may be explicit, with decisions and their rationale made open and transparent or implicit, where neither the decisions nor the reasons are clearly expressed [ 35].

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

We recommend being explicit with GOT leaders that we are changing our approach, while also making clear that we will continue to engage privately with opposition parties and civil society.

The Guardian

It would be worse if I'm explicit with my expectation of him because that creates a demand on him.

Huffington Post

In contrast, the WHO ICF [ 3] was explicit with the depiction of causal and reciprocal relationships.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

And, importantly, I was explicit with students about my attempts to "think like a student" in structuring our work together.

CBE Life Sciences Education

The information emphasised that the purpose of the vaccination was to prevent cervical cancer but was explicit with regard to the fact that HPV was sexually transmitted.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions or feedback, "be explicit with" the steps or points you want the recipient to follow or understand. This leaves less room for misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid being condescending when using "be explicit with". While clarity is key, over-explaining can undermine the recipient's intelligence and create a negative perception.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be explicit with" functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to communicate clearly and directly. Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts where detailed information or instructions are needed to prevent misunderstanding. It suggests a proactive approach to ensuring clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be explicit with" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for urging clear and detailed communication. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts, as demonstrated by the real-world examples provided. The primary purpose is to ensure clarity, minimize ambiguity, and foster better understanding. While "be explicit with" is suitable for various settings, it's crucial to maintain a respectful tone and avoid any implication of condescension. Alternatives such as ""be clear with"" and ""be specific with"" offer nuanced options for achieving the same goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be clear with

Focuses on clarity rather than detail, implying a general understanding rather than specific information.

be specific with

Emphasizes providing detailed information, highlighting particular aspects.

be precise with

Highlights accuracy and exactness in communication, suggesting a focus on avoiding ambiguity.

be forthright with

Stresses honesty and directness, suggesting openness and candor in communication.

be unambiguous with

Focuses on avoiding any potential for misinterpretation, emphasizing clarity and certainty.

be direct with

Emphasizes straightforwardness and a lack of hesitation in communication.

spell it out for

Implies a need to explain something in very simple terms, often due to the listener's lack of understanding.

lay it out for

Suggests presenting information in a clear and organized manner, making it easy to understand.

mince no words with

Indicates speaking frankly and without hesitation, often in a situation where tact might be expected.

be candid with

Focuses on sincerity and honesty, suggesting a willingness to share one's true thoughts and feelings.

FAQs

What does "be explicit with" mean?

The phrase "be explicit with" means to communicate something very clearly and directly, leaving no room for ambiguity or misunderstanding. It involves providing specific details and expressing thoughts in a straightforward manner.

How can I use "be explicit with" in a sentence?

You can use "be explicit with" when you want someone to provide clear and detailed information or instructions. For example, "Please "be explicit with" your requirements so that I can meet your expectations".

What are some alternatives to "be explicit with"?

Some alternatives to "be explicit with" include "be clear with", "be specific with", "be forthright with", or "be unambiguous with". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to ask someone to "be explicit with" something?

It's appropriate to ask someone to "be explicit with" something when you need clear, detailed information to avoid confusion or errors. This is particularly useful in situations involving instructions, feedback, or complex requirements.