definite subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definite subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about grammar, particularly when referring to a subject that is specific and identifiable in a sentence. Example: "In the sentence 'The cat sat on the mat,' 'the cat' is the definite subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But even his most impenetrable Cubist paintings have a definite subject.

The Guardian - Arts

Although bent on writing a history, he had not settled on a definite subject.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The most suited design for a hospital mural should contain no definite subject matter but should be generally soothing in its line and color," Bolotowsky wrote in his proposal.

The New York Times

However, though dialectic has no definite subject, it is easy to see that it nevertheless rests on a method, because dialectic has to grasp the reason why some arguments are valid and others are not.

SEP

Plato argued in his Gorgias that rhetoric cannot be an art (technê), since it is not related to a definite subject, while real arts are defined by their specific subjects, as e.g. medicine or shoemaking are defined by their products, i.e., health and shoes.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Predication is defined in terms of Boolean intersection (or equivalently, order or parthood in the case of definite subjects).

SEP

Accordingly, the stability, convergence and long-time behaviour are rigorously analysed once the spatial differential operator is approximated by an appropriate positive semi-definite matrix, subject to suitable temporal and spatial smoothness.

Journal of Computational Physics

But a couple of days later, there's an equality debate with Trevor Phillips and when I speak to him afterwards he's pretty definite on the subject: they are different.

The Guardian

Although AOS and dysarthria have some overlapping features, the four subjects with PPAOS with possible or definite mild dysarthria (Subjects 1, 3, 6 and 7), each had four to seven features of AOS that are not associated with dysarthria.

Brain

Table  1 presents the details of the population in this study.> -wrap-foot> *56 subjects with incomplete data were excluded from the analysis The IOP distribution of normal population was calculated by excluding data of subjects with definite glaucomatous visual field defects or angle closure.

BMC Ophthalmology

One could argue that beneficence implies an obligation to address risks not directly related to research, because these risks can have a definite impact on subjects' well-being.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "definite subject", ensure that the subject is easily identifiable and clearly defined within the context of your writing. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "definite subject" when the subject is, in fact, ambiguous or undefined. This creates a contradiction and confuses the reader. Ensure the subject meets the criteria of being specific and easily identifiable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definite subject" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a topic or theme that is clearly defined and unambiguous. This usage aligns with Ludwig's examples, where it's used to describe subjects in art, history, and rhetoric.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definite subject" describes a topic or theme that is clearly defined and unambiguous. Ludwig shows its usage across various contexts, including art, history, and rhetoric, with a tendency towards neutral to formal registers. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, though its occurrence is relatively rare. When employing this phrase, ensure that the subject you are describing truly meets the criteria of being specific and easily identifiable to maintain clarity and avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear subject

Focuses on the comprehensibility of the subject.

specific topic

Highlights the particularity of the subject.

defined subject matter

Emphasizes the well-defined nature of the topic.

precise subject

Indicates accuracy and exactness in the subject.

unambiguous subject

Stresses the lack of confusion or multiple interpretations.

certain subject

Conveys a sense of sureness and reliability about the subject.

particular subject

Focuses on the uniqueness and individuality of the topic.

concrete subject

Highlights the tangible and real nature of the subject.

distinct subject

Emphasizes the separateness and clarity of the subject from others.

explicit subject

Indicates that the subject is clearly stated and not implied.

FAQs

How can I use "definite subject" in a sentence?

You can use "definite subject" to describe something that is clearly defined and not ambiguous. For example: "Even his most impenetrable Cubist paintings have a "definite subject"."

What does "definite subject" mean in the context of rhetoric?

In rhetoric, a "definite subject" refers to a specific topic or theme that an argument or discussion revolves around. Plato argued that rhetoric cannot be an art because it isn't related to a "definite subject".

What is an alternative to "definite subject"?

Alternatives to "definite subject" include "clear subject", "specific topic", or "defined subject matter". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to have a "definite subject" or an abstract one?

Whether a "definite subject" or an abstract one is preferable depends entirely on the purpose and context. Abstract subjects are often used in art to evoke feelings, while a "definite subject" is important for clarity and precision, especially in academic or technical writing.