definitive thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitive thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is conclusive or serves as a final authority on a subject. Example: "After much debate, we finally reached a definitive thing regarding the project's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In summation, he argued: "That's really the only definitive thing to be said".

The New York Times

He added: "People try to pin me down to say one definitive thing.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a pretty definitive thing".

Vice

Why decide to make it one definitive thing?

Vice

HB: I think the definitive thing for me was Brian Froud and Alan Lee's illustrated book, Faeries.

Huffington Post

Coming out seems like a real pain in the ass (I'm allowed one bad pun, no?) because it's such a definitive thing to do.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He said definitive things.

The New Yorker

The light is clear, but we're still bewildered, amazed; they refuse neatness, solutions elude us, and we slip past the definitive things.

The Guardian - Film

Instead of making fixed definitive things that we put out into the world, I think we've both decided that it's much more interesting to make things that even we can't predict".

The New York Times - Magazine

All of these terms are phrased like independent, definitive things.

Huffington Post

I always wanted to be involved with music that would stand the test of time, being on one of those definitive things that you have to have listened to at some point.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "definitive thing", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the subject conclusive or authoritative. Providing supporting details can strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "definitive thing" when the subject is still open to interpretation or further evidence. This can weaken your argument and make it seem biased or premature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitive thing" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective 'definitive' modifies the noun 'thing'. It refers to something that is conclusive, final, or authoritative in nature. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "definitive thing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something conclusive or authoritative. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reliable sources. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes the subject's conclusive nature, and avoid overstating definitiveness when further interpretation is possible. Consider using alternatives like "conclusive element" or "decisive factor" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decisive factor

Substitutes "definitive" with "decisive" and "thing" with "factor", emphasizing the role of the subject in influencing an outcome.

critical point

Replaces "definitive" with "critical" and "thing" with "point", stressing the importance and decisiveness of the subject.

essential element

Replaces "definitive" with "essential" and "thing" with "element", highlighting the necessary nature of the subject.

conclusive element

Replaces "definitive" with "conclusive" and "thing" with "element", focusing on the decisive nature of the subject.

principal factor

Substitutes "definitive" with "principal" and "thing" with "factor", emphasizing its leading role.

key component

Substitutes "definitive" with "key" and "thing" with "component", emphasizing the essential role of the subject.

ultimate consideration

Replaces "definitive" with "ultimate" and "thing" with "consideration", highlighting the importance of the subject.

deciding aspect

Replaces "definitive" with "deciding" and "thing" with "aspect", highlighting how it influences decisions.

final aspect

Substitutes "definitive" with "final" and "thing" with "aspect", indicating the concluding nature of the subject.

settling matter

Substitutes "definitive" with "settling" and "thing" with "matter", emphasizing that the subject resolves a dispute or uncertainty.

FAQs

How can I use "definitive thing" in a sentence?

Use "definitive thing" to describe something that provides a final answer or resolution. For example, "The DNA evidence was the "definitive thing" that proved his innocence."

What are some alternatives to "definitive thing"?

You can use alternatives such as "conclusive element", "decisive factor", or "ultimate consideration" depending on the specific context you are trying to convey.

Is "definitive thing" formal or informal?

"Definitive thing" is generally suitable for neutral to formal contexts. However, for more formal or academic writing, consider using more precise synonyms like "critical point" or "essential element".

What is the difference between "definitive thing" and "definite thing"?

"Definitive thing" implies a conclusive and authoritative resolution, while "definite thing" simply means something that is certain or clearly defined. "Definitive" carries a stronger sense of finality than "definite".