conclusively

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'conclusively' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is proven or settled beyond doubt. For example: "The results of the study conclusively proved that the treatment was effective".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The conclusion will not, however, delight Nasdaq, which has yet to prove conclusively that its electronic systems provide a superior marketplace.

The Economist

We have not conclusively agreed, in 2015, that women have the right to walk the streets, wearing whatever they choose, without being shouted and whistled at.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even if studies conclusively showed that 20, or 50, was the perfect class size, politicians couldn't click fingers and be done with it.

The Guardian

"If we prove conclusively that mindfulness can stabilise those individuals it would be a great benefit to society".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Given such a natural history, a "miraculous cure" in a case of multiple sclerosis would indeed be very hard to prove conclusively.

The Economist

Saudi Arabia beheads smugglers of cannabis, a drug which is not conclusively linked to a single fatality among the 200m or so who use it each year.

The Economist

This year's battle has been between two deeply flawed men: George Bush, who has been a radical, transforming president but who has never seemed truly up to the job, let alone his own ambitions for it; and John Kerry, who often seems to have made up his mind conclusively about something only once, and that was 30 years ago.

The Economist

It was never conclusively proved how, though a contaminated sample may have been to blame.

The Economist

Others have warned the new rules may be vulnerable to a legal attack, since the CFTC hasn't shown conclusively that excessive speculation contributes to rising commodity prices.

The Economist

One is reminded of the famous American research study on pornography which proved "conclusively" that men get bored with it.

The Economist

In his book "Stateless in South Asia: The making of the India Bangladesh Enclaves", Wilhelm Schendel chronicles futile attempts by politicians and two "self-absorbed bureaucracies" to implement a plan agreed soon after partition: first to regulate the rights of passage of the residents and then settle the matter conclusively by exhanging enclaves.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider using "conclusively" to end a debate or discussion with a final, solid point based on verifiable results.

Common error

Avoid using "conclusively" when your evidence is suggestive but not definitive. Overstating your confidence can undermine your credibility and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "conclusively" is to act as an adverb, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate that an action or statement is performed or proven in a definitive and irrefutable manner. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the adverb is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "conclusively" is a robust term for indicating something proven beyond doubt. As supported by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, it functions primarily to emphasize the certainty and finality of a statement. While grammatically correct and widely used in neutral to formal contexts such as news reporting, business, and science, writers should avoid overstating conclusions by using it only when warranted by solid evidence. Considering alternatives such as "definitively" or "irrefutably" can fine-tune your message. Remember Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use, providing writers with confidence in its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

definitively

Emphasizes the final and unquestionable nature of a decision or proof.

decisively

Highlights the resolute and impactful nature of a decision or action.

unquestionably

Indicates that something is beyond doubt or dispute.

without a doubt

Expresses a strong belief in the truth or certainty of something.

beyond any doubt

Similar to "without a doubt", but often used when clarifying/reaffirming.

with certainty

Focuses on the sureness and confidence in a statement or conclusion.

irrefutably

Stresses the impossibility of disproving something.

undeniably

Indicates that something cannot be denied or contradicted.

incontestably

Highlights that something is not open to dispute.

for certain

Expresses that something is known or will happen without fail.

FAQs

How can I use "conclusively" in a sentence?

Use "conclusively" to indicate that something has been proven or decided without any doubt. For example, "The evidence "conclusively" proved his innocence".

What are some alternatives to "conclusively"?

Alternatives to "conclusively" include "definitively", "decisively", or "irrefutably". Choose the word that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "conclusively" in formal writing?

Yes, "conclusively" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when presenting research findings or legal arguments where a strong, definitive statement is required.

What is the difference between "conclusively" and "persuasively"?

"Conclusively" means that something has been proven beyond doubt, while "persuasively" means that something is convincing but not necessarily proven. "Conclusively" implies a higher degree of certainty.