categorically explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "categorically explain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to provide a clear and definitive explanation without any ambiguity. Example: "In order to resolve the issue, please categorically explain the steps you took leading up to the error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He only spins in private, to be able to articulate the feeling to other people, to "categorically explain the feeling of performance better than a spinner can".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Before consideration of other covariates, WAs, defined categorically, explained roughly 3-53-5% the variance in intelligence test scores.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Keeping these indicators in mind we have categorically explained how the Hijra community in Pakistan is socially excluded and how this trend has pushed them into following risky behaviors with regard to commercial sex work.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

As he answered question after question here, Mr. Obama appeared downcast and subdued as he tried to explain why he had decided to categorically denounce his minister of 20 years.

The New York Times

One farmer wished not to be interviewed due to lack of time and one veterinarian refused categorically to participate in the study (and did not explain why).

BMC Veterinary Research

Intelligent design does not attempt to explain how God or anyone else produced humans, chimpanzees and amoebas; evolutionary science does not say that categorically there is no God who got the whole process started.

The New York Times

This may also help to explain the apparent contradiction between people who have completed private sector work placements they feel were compulsary, and the DWP who categorically denied this was the case.

The Guardian

Indonesia has categorically rejected the prime minister's statement to parliament on Tuesday in which he said he "regretted" embarrassment caused by media reports but saw no reason for Australia to either explain or apologise for the surveillance.

The Guardian

The court's analysis points the way forward: it explains that youth are categorically "less culpable" than adults, and it requires states to give youth "meaningful opportunity to obtain release based on demonstrated maturity and rehabilitation".

The New York Times

While the network still denies the rumor as "categorically untrue" -- the possible change was first reported last December -- the sources explained the rationale is in part the result of stiffer competition for a younger audience.

Huffington Post

OCR explained, in another guidance letter to universities nationwide, that the First Amendment categorically made it impossible for the agency to require universities, whether public or private, to pass codes that punish protected speech.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "categorically explain" when you want to convey a sense of absolute clarity and leave no room for misinterpretation. It's best suited for situations where directness and precision are paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "categorically explain" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound overly assertive or even aggressive. Consider using simpler alternatives like "clearly explain" or "explicitly explain" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "categorically explain" functions as an adverbial intensifier modifying a verb. It indicates that the explanation is to be provided with utmost clarity and without any ambiguity. According to Ludwig, it’s a usable phrase, though not very common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "categorically explain" is a grammatically correct and usable expression intended to convey a clear and unambiguous explanation. According to Ludwig, while the phrase is correct, it is not common. It finds use in news, media, and science-related contexts. While effective in formal settings, overuse can sound overly assertive. Consider alternatives like "clearly explain" or "explicitly explain" in less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unequivocally explain

Replaces "categorically" with "unequivocally", highlighting the absence of doubt or reservation in the explanation.

clearly explain

Uses a more common synonym for "categorically", focusing on the ease of understanding the explanation.

explicitly explain

Replaces "categorically" with "explicitly", emphasizing the direct and detailed nature of the explanation.

definitively explain

Uses "definitively" instead of "categorically", suggesting a final and conclusive explanation.

strongly explain

Replaces "categorically" with "strongly", indicating the forceful and assertive nature of the explanation.

absolutely explain

Uses "absolutely" in place of "categorically", underscoring the complete and certain nature of the explanation.

forcefully explain

Replaces "categorically" with "forcefully", highlighting the compelling and persuasive aspect of the explanation.

conclusively explain

Emphasizes the finality of the explanation, indicating that it leaves no room for further doubt.

firmly explain

Stresses the resolute and unwavering nature of the explanation provided.

totally explain

Suggests a complete and comprehensive explanation, leaving no aspect unaddressed.

FAQs

How can I use "categorically explain" in a sentence?

You can use "categorically explain" when you want to emphasize the clarity and decisiveness of an explanation. For example: "The expert needed to "clearly explain" the issue to avoid any further confusion."

What are some alternatives to "categorically explain"?

Alternatives include "clearly explain", "explicitly explain", "unequivocally explain", or "definitively explain", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "categorically explain" formal or informal?

"Categorically explain" leans toward the formal side due to the intensifier "categorically". In less formal contexts, consider using "clearly explain" or "fully explain".

What does it mean to "categorically" deny something?

To "categorically" deny something means to reject it completely and without any reservation or qualification, emphasizing the firmness and decisiveness of the denial.