definite object

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definite object" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in grammar to refer to a specific noun that is clearly identified in a sentence. Example: "In the sentence 'She gave the book to him,' 'the book' is the definite object."

✓ Grammatically correct

Functional Linguistics

Encyclopedia Britannica

Huffington Post

The New York Times - Arts

SEP

Wikipedia

Cancer Imaging

Encyclopedia Britannica

The New York Times - Science

The New York Times

The Guardian

Nano Today

The New Yorker

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

WikiHow

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

One peculiar feature of BH is that when nominal groups which function as direct object are marked for definiteness, they are normally preceded by the definite object marker particle ʾęṯ, while nominal groups that are unmarked for definiteness also lack marking for object status.

Functional Linguistics

An indefinite subject of an intransitive verb or an indefinite object were marked with the ablative case (*-ta), but a definite object took the accusative marker (*-m) and other subject situations were unmarked (nominative).

Encyclopedia Britannica

A definite object, on the contrary, is in the absolutive case, while the subject is in the relative case (also used as a genitive) and the verb has a suffix referring both to the object and to the subject: arna-m neqa nera-a "the woman is eating the fish," nera-a "she (or he) is eating it".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

One can rightfully ask, if reality is quantum, how come we have what appears to be a classical world with definite objects, boundaries between objects, and the lack of quantum effects like entanglement and non-locality?

Huffington Post

Definite direct object marker.

Functional Linguistics

A set, wrote Cantor, is a collection of definite, distinguishable objects of perception or thought conceived as a whole.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of the few definite Hittite objects from the Late Bronze Age, the pendant-size figure -- representing a Hittite protective god -- stands on a deer's back and may be a miniature of a much larger work.

The New York Times - Arts

The motivation behind such developments is the idea that collections of quantum objects cannot be considered as sets in the usual Cantorian sense of '… collections into a whole of definite, distinct objects of our intuition or of our thought.' (Cantor 1955, p. 85).

SEP

In this world, all objects which the sentient being perceives have definite states, but objects that are not under observation might be in a superposition of different (classical) states.

SEP

It may be objected that every concept must have an extension, that there must be a definite totality of objects that fall under the concept.

SEP

An anxiety disorder may develop where anxiety is insufficiently managed, characterized by a continuing or periodic state of anxiety or diffuse fear that is not restricted to definite situations or objects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definite object" when referring to something specific and clearly identified, particularly in grammatical and philosophical contexts. For general writing consider alternatives to add variety.

Common error

Avoid using "definite object" when you mean "definitive object". "Definite" implies clarity and specificity, while "definitive" suggests conclusiveness or authoritativeness. The latter is often misplaced when writers actually want to convey that something is a clear-cut or specific example.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definite object" functions primarily as a grammatical term. It identifies a noun phrase that is specific and known to both the speaker and the listener. Ludwig AI confirms this is a standard usage in grammatical contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "definite object" is a grammatical term used to describe a specific noun phrase that is known to both the speaker and the listener. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and usable in written English, particularly within grammatical contexts. While the phrase is correct, it is relatively rare and primarily used in formal and scientific settings such as linguistic analysis and philosophy. Alternative phrases like "specific object" or "identified object" can be used depending on the specific context. When using the term, it's important to differentiate between 'definite' and 'definitive' to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Specific object

This alternative focuses on the aspect of being clearly identified and particular.

Identified object

This emphasizes the object having been recognized or singled out.

Particular object

This suggests that the object is a distinct and individual entity.

Designated object

Highlights that the object has been officially or explicitly chosen.

Determinate object

This focuses on the object having clear and established boundaries or properties.

Definable object

Emphasizes that the object can be accurately described or defined.

Object with clear properties

This refers to an object whose attributes are well-defined and easily understood.

Singular object

This emphasizes the uniqueness and individuality of the object.

Object of known identity

Highlights that the object's identity is established or recognized.

Object with precise attributes

Implies that the object's characteristics are specific and measurable.

FAQs

How is a definite object identified in grammar?

A definite object is typically identified by the presence of a definite article (like 'the' in English) or by other contextual clues that make it clear which specific object is being referred to. For example, in the sentence 'She saw the cat', 'the cat' is a definite object because it refers to a specific cat.

What's the difference between a definite and indefinite object?

A definite object refers to a specific, identifiable noun (e.g., 'the book'), whereas an indefinite object refers to a non-specific noun (e.g., 'a book'). Definite objects imply the listener or reader knows which particular object is being discussed.

Are there grammatical markers that signal a definite object in all languages?

No, not all languages have specific grammatical markers like articles to indicate definite objects. Some languages use case endings or other syntactic structures to distinguish between definite and indefinite objects, as shown in examples from Uralic and Eskimo-Aleut languages.

What are some alternatives to using the term "definite object"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "specific object", "identified object", or "particular object" to convey a similar meaning.