definitely state

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitely state" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the certainty of a statement or declaration, but it is better to use it in a more natural context. Example: "I can definitely state that our findings are conclusive and reliable."

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

As shooting ranges go, it's definitely state of the art.

The New York Times - Style

Anyway, in some cases we also found controversial results that claim the need of further well-designed studies to definitely state the efficacy and tolerability of IVIG in CAPS, obstetric and non-APS.

Autoimmunity Reviews

The presented observation allows us to definitely state that no huts (or domes) appear if a Ge/Si 001) film forms moving to equilibrium as a closed system (or, in fact, as an isolated system since outflow and radiative inflow of energy are balanced).

Nanoscale Research Letters

This damaged the ACLU's reputation severely, even though the report said that it could not "definitely state whether or not" the ACLU was a communist organization.

Wikipedia

But in her widely-praised speech on the Supreme Court last week, Secretary Hillary Clinton did not definitely state that Garland should be confirmed.

Huffington Post

For these reasons we cannot definitely state which of the two monitoring techniques performs better.

F1000Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Definitely," stated one salesperson.

Harvard Business Review

But, at this stage of the case, the plaintiffs have most definitely stated a plausible claim".

The New York Times - Health

This general doctrine, definitely stated in Southern Pacific Co. v. Jensen, 244 U. S. 205, 37 Sup.

Cornell University

Nothing is definitely stated, scenes are constantly repeated, the soundtrack is curiously distorted, the images limpid and exotic.

The Guardian - Film

"Seems to me his intent as a voter is plain enough, you see?" I agreed with this but pointed out that the statutes definitely stated that all ballots defaced in any manner must not be counted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before you "definitely state" something, make sure you have solid, irrefutable evidence. This phrase implies a high level of certainty, so avoid using it speculatively.

Common error

Avoid using "definitely state" when expressing opinions or assumptions. This phrase should be reserved for situations where you can confidently back up your claim with concrete data or proof.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitely state" functions as a declarative verb phrase. It's used to emphasize the certainty with which a piece of information is conveyed. Ludwig examples show it often introduces conclusions in scientific or formal reports.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitely state" is a verb phrase employed to assert something with a high degree of certainty. It's grammatically acceptable but carries a formal tone, making it most suitable for scientific, academic, and professional contexts. While Ludwig shows its primary usage in these fields, less formal alternatives may be more appropriate in casual settings. When deciding to use "definitely state", ensure your claim is well-supported and that the formal register aligns with your audience and purpose. Remember that while this phrase stresses confidence, as Ludwig AI highlights, it can sometimes be perceived as overly assertive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explicitly assert

Replaces "state" with "assert" for a more forceful tone and adds "explicitly" for clarity.

firmly declare

Emphasizes the resoluteness of the statement using "firmly" and "declare".

unequivocally affirm

Uses stronger synonyms to highlight the lack of ambiguity in the statement.

clearly indicate

Shifts the focus to providing a clear sign or signal rather than a direct declaration.

positively confirm

Replaces "state" with "confirm", emphasizing the verification aspect and adds "positively" to give assurance.

categorically maintain

Uses "categorically" to express the absence of exceptions and "maintain" to convey a sustained assertion.

conclusively determine

Highlights the decisiveness and finality of the statement.

authoritatively express

Emphasizes the speaker's expertise and the formal communication of the statement.

decisively pronounce

Conveys a sense of authority and finality in the statement.

strongly suggest

Weakens the certainty, indicating a high degree of confidence without outright declaration.

FAQs

What does "definitely state" mean?

The phrase "definitely state" means to declare something with certainty and without any doubt. It's used to emphasize the firmness of a statement or conclusion.

When is it appropriate to use "definitely state"?

Use "definitely state" in formal contexts when you want to highlight the confidence and reliability of a statement. For example, in scientific reports or legal documents. It may sound too strong in casual conversation.

What are some alternatives to "definitely state"?

You can use alternatives such as "explicitly assert", "firmly declare", or "clearly indicate" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "definitely state" always the best choice for expressing certainty?

Not always. While "definitely state" emphasizes certainty, it can sometimes sound overly formal or assertive. Consider the context and audience to determine if a more moderate phrase, such as "strongly suggest", might be more appropriate.