define clearly

USAGE SUMMARY

"define clearly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to provide a clear and concise definition of something, or when stating the importance of a clear definition. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, can you please define clearly what the main objectives are?" "Clear communication is crucial in this project. Let's make sure to define our roles and responsibilities clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Norms define clearly the roles, functions, responsibilities and authorities of the actors.

Knowledge-Based Systems

The way around this is to define clearly the limited situations in which he might exercise jurisdiction over the east.

The Guardian - Opinion

Universal suffrage, for one, which this time they might be able to define clearly enough to stick to.

The Economist

What the task force is wrestling with right now is to define clearly the kinds of things the county will get involved in".

The New York Times

In a report released yesterday by the S.E.C., Ms. Unger said the commission needed to define clearly what constitutes material information.

The New York Times

To place the arguments presented here into a wider perspective, it is of utmost importance to define clearly what is meant by "Ethics".

Nature

Given this background, NAAG believes that it is necessary to define clearly for the airlines what constitutes clear and adequate disclosure in all advertising media.

Cornell University

But, again, we do not define clearly established law at such a "high level of generality". Ashcroft v. al-Kidd, 563 U. S. ___, ___ (2011) (slip op., at 10).

Cornell University

The aim of this study was to define clearly the presentation, clinical progression, and laboratory data in a group of patients who had SARS.

Chest

He also made one of his strongest defenses to date of press freedom, calling on the judiciary to resist political pressure and to define clearly what constitutes an offense against the system by writers and journalists.

The New York Times

The article goes on to say that the Telegraph is "drawing up guidelines that will define clearly and openly how our editorial and commercial staff will co-operate in an increasingly competitive media industry".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define clearly", ensure that the context provides sufficient information for the definition to be understood without ambiguity. State what you are defining, and follow with the definition itself.

Common error

Avoid using vague language or jargon immediately after stating that something should be "defined clearly". The purpose of this phrase is to ensure understanding, so the subsequent definition must be accessible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define clearly" functions as a directive, urging the speaker or writer to provide a precise and unambiguous explanation. As Ludwig examples show, it's often used when introducing formal definitions or setting boundaries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "define clearly" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the need for precision and clarity in definitions. As the examples from Ludwig illustrate, this phrase appears frequently in diverse fields such as science, news, and formal business communication. It is used to prevent confusion and ensure a shared understanding. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability, emphasizing its role in requesting or highlighting the importance of clear and concise definitions. When employing this phrase, it's vital to ensure that the subsequent definition is easily understandable and avoids vague language, aligning with the phrase's core purpose of promoting clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearly define

Reverses the order of the words, placing emphasis on the 'clearly' aspect.

explicitly define

Substitutes "clearly" with "explicitly", implying a more detailed and unambiguous definition.

precisely define

Uses "precisely" to highlight accuracy and exactness in the definition.

stipulate clearly

Replaces "define" with "stipulate", suggesting a formal and authoritative definition.

specify clearly

Emphasizes the act of making something specific and unambiguous.

delineate clearly

Uses "delineate" to suggest marking the boundaries or scope of a definition.

articulate clearly

Focuses on expressing the definition in a clear and understandable manner.

set forth clearly

Implies a structured and organized presentation of the definition.

establish a clear definition

Changes the phrase to emphasize the creation of a definition rather than the act of defining.

lay out clearly

Suggests a comprehensive and easily understandable explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "define clearly" in a sentence?

You can use "define clearly" to emphasize the importance of a precise and unambiguous definition. For example, "It is crucial to "define clearly" the project's scope before starting."

What are some alternatives to "define clearly"?

Alternatives include "clearly define", "explicitly define", or "precisely define", all of which emphasize the need for a clear and accurate definition.

Why is it important to "define clearly"?

Defining something clearly ensures that there is a shared understanding and minimizes the risk of misinterpretations or misunderstandings. This is especially important in technical, legal, or academic contexts.

What happens if you don't "define clearly"?

If you don't "define clearly", you risk creating confusion and ambiguity. This can lead to errors, wasted time, and ineffective communication. For example, failing to "clearly define" project requirements can result in the project's failure.