definitive things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitive things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to things that are conclusive, final, or authoritative in a particular context. Example: "In the realm of science, there are definitive things that we must accept as facts based on extensive research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 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

Though the candidates both stand for very definitive things (as they should) it's the human bullhorns sounding poll-tested-vitriol that are doing the damage, luring millions with the seductive bug lights of party rhetoric.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitive things" when you want to emphasize the conclusive or authoritative nature of certain aspects or elements within a discussion or analysis. It suggests a sense of finality or established truth.

Common error

Avoid overusing "definitive things" in contexts where nuances or uncertainties exist. It's best reserved for situations where conclusions are well-supported and widely accepted. Using it loosely can weaken its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitive things" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "definitive" modifies the noun "things". Ludwig AI examples showcase its role in referring to matters that are established, conclusive, or authoritative.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "definitive things" is grammatically correct and usable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not extremely common, appearing as "Uncommon" in frequency, it serves a specific purpose: to denote matters that are conclusive or authoritative. The phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media" contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, reserve "definitive things" for situations where conclusions are well-supported. Remember to use alternative phrases like "conclusive matters" or "authoritative items" for variety and to avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conclusive matters

Replaces the adjective 'definitive' with 'conclusive', emphasizing the finality of the matters.

authoritative items

Substitutes 'definitive' with 'authoritative', highlighting the reliable and trustworthy nature of the items.

established facts

Focuses on the proven and accepted nature of the facts, rather than their defining quality.

settled issues

Highlights the resolution of issues, indicating that they are no longer up for debate.

certain elements

Emphasizes the sureness and lack of ambiguity in the elements, differing slightly from a sense of finality.

fixed points

Highlights the stability and unchangeable nature of these points.

precise details

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness of the details, rather than their conclusive nature.

concrete realities

Emphasizes the tangible and undeniable nature of the realities.

unequivocal aspects

Stresses the clarity and lack of ambiguity of these aspects.

ascertained elements

Highlights that the elements are verified and confirmed.

FAQs

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

You can use "definitive things" to refer to matters that are conclusive or resolved. For instance, "The report outlined the "definitive things" that led to the company's success".

What are some alternatives to "definitive things"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "conclusive matters", "authoritative items", or "established facts".

Is it always appropriate to use "definitive things"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Use "definitive things" when referring to matters with clear and undisputed evidence. Avoid it when dealing with uncertain or speculative topics.

What's the difference between "definitive things" and "important things"?

"Definitive things" implies a sense of finality and conclusiveness, while "important things" simply denotes significance. The former suggests resolution, the latter, value or relevance.