clear and definite

USAGE SUMMARY

"clear and definite" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to make it clear that something is specific and not open to interpretation. For example, "The deadline for submitting the project is clear and definite: Friday at 5 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The intent must be clear and definite.

Harvard University

There wasn't a clear and definite answer.

The Guardian

"These kind of questions have clear and definite answers now," Mr. Williamson said.

The New York Times

And I remember having a clear and definite premonition: I'll never do this again.

The New York Times

And there is a lot to be said for having a clear and definite vision.

The New York Times

"We have to wait for a clear and definite outcome before making any decisions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

And novels with a clear plot and definite resolution can still be full of ambiguity, darkness and doubt.

The Guardian - Books

There is yet another group that must be acknowledged: people with clear views and definite voting intentions who insist on the secrecy of the ballot and never talk to pollsters, whether online, by telephone or face-to-face.

The Guardian - Opinion

Without a clear vision and definite commitment from above, even the most capable and energetic members of the leadership team will hesitate to raise new ideas for moving forward and the less-proven executives will feel even more reluctant to speak their minds about what is wrong and how to improve things.

Harvard Business Review

Tschichold also expresses a preference for certain ratios over others: "The geometrically definable irrational page proportions like 1 1.618 (Golden Section), 1:√2, 1:√3, 1:√5, 1 1.538, and the simple rational proportions of 1 2, 2 3, 5 8 and 5 9 I call clear, intentional and definite.

Wikipedia

Once you have a clear strategy and definite goals, you should hire a right IP support professional who can manage your intellectual assets.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear and definite" to specify requirements, instructions, or expectations to minimize misunderstandings. For example, "The project's goals should be made clear and definite at the outset."

Common error

While "clear and definite" is appropriate for formal and technical writing, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, where simpler alternatives like "obvious" or "certain" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear and definite" functions as a compound adjective, modifying nouns to emphasize precision and certainty. Ludwig indicates its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

31%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear and definite" is a compound adjective that emphasizes precision and certainty. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and readily usable in written English. It functions to ensure unambiguous understanding in various contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, and news media. While versatile, "clear and definite" is most appropriate in neutral to formal registers, where explicitness is valued. Remember to reserve it for instances where simplicity and directness outweigh casual or informal alternatives, maintaining the overall tone and style of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unambiguous and explicit

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity and directness in communication.

precise and well-defined

Highlights accuracy and a distinct outline or boundary.

explicit and specific

Focuses on directness and particularity, leaving no room for vagueness.

well-defined and distinct

Stresses the sharp and easily recognizable nature of something.

clearly delineated

Focuses on the distinct boundaries and outlines of something.

unequivocal and absolute

Highlights the lack of any doubt or reservation.

certain and well-established

Emphasizes the confidence and the firm grounding of something.

plain and straightforward

Focuses on the simplicity and ease of understanding.

patent and undeniable

Highlights something that is easily noticeable and cannot be contradicted.

assured and irrefutable

Stresses the confidence and the impossibility of disproving something.

FAQs

How can I use "clear and definite" in a sentence?

You can use "clear and definite" to emphasize that something is precise and not open to interpretation. For example, "The contract outlines clear and definite terms for payment".

What are some alternatives to "clear and definite"?

You can use alternatives like "unambiguous and explicit", "precise and well-defined", or "explicit and specific" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use both "clear" and "definite"?

While both words share similar meanings, using them together emphasizes the lack of ambiguity and the certainty of something. The combination reinforces the idea that something is not only easy to understand but also distinctly established.

When is it best to use "clear and definite"?

It is best to use "clear and definite" in formal or technical contexts where precision and lack of ambiguity are essential, such as legal documents, scientific reports, or instructions.