definitively address

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitively address" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something will be resolved or dealt with in a clear and conclusive manner. Example: "The committee aims to definitively address the concerns raised by the community in the upcoming meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since we did not include a specific nicotine withdrawal scale, we cannot definitively address this question.

Nature

Still, any sign that Spain may be wobbling again is likely to renew concern that Europe has yet to definitively address its problems.

The New York Times

Well-designed, large RCTs should be performed both against standard medical care and other types of physical exercise to definitively address whether Nordic Walking can be beneficial in PD.

Parkinsonism & Related Disorders

No studies definitively address the question of precisely when to start therapy, but the panel concluded that the toxicities have significantly tipped the balance between benefit and risk against early treatment.

The New York Times

The Long Island Association will focus on the following seven issues: AFFORDABLE HOUSING -- Before the end of its current session, the State Legislature should definitively address the issue of state and regional legislation to ensure sufficient affordable housing on Long Island.

The New York Times

We now describe the generation of a second sAC knockout mouse model (C2KO) designed to more definitively address questions of sAC expression, and we demonstrate conclusively using immune-electron microscopy that sAC is expressed in neuronal profiles in the central nervous system.

Brain Research

This story is unfolding, let's not forget, because of his ludicrous belief that a referendum might somehow definitively address the EU-related divisions in his own party and the public at large – as if a month or so of political knockabout under Queensberry rules could sort everything out, and the country could then go back to normal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Larger studies or registry data are required to definitively address this issue.

Insights into Imaging

Such performance needs to be reflected at the systems-level and hence, the objective of this paper was to definitively address the synchronisation problem that arises between different cameras when combined in a multivision set.

European Transport Research Review

Warren's misguided efforts to definitively address the controversy have now severely backfired.

HuffPost

Not only is he saying that it's OK to be gay or bisexual by not insisting emphatically that he isn't, but by playing with pronouns and refusing to definitively address the matter, he's also saying that it's OK if people think he's gay or bisexual.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "definitively address" when you want to convey that a problem or issue needs to be resolved completely and without any lingering doubts. It is especially useful in formal or academic writing where clarity and precision are essential.

Common error

Avoid using "definitively address" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase's formality can sound stilted or pretentious in everyday contexts. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "deal with" or "sort out".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitively address" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of resolving an issue or question in a clear and conclusive manner. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "definitively address" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that indicates a conclusive resolution to an issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most commonly found in scientific and formal contexts, conveying a sense of certainty and thoroughness. While the phrase is useful for expressing a strong intention to resolve an issue completely, it's important to consider the context. Overusing it in informal settings may sound unnatural. For those seeking alternatives, options like "resolve conclusively" or "firmly resolve" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve conclusively

Emphasizes the act of bringing something to a clear and decisive end.

conclusively tackle

Suggests a direct and decisive approach to dealing with a problem.

firmly resolve

Highlights the strength and determination in reaching a solution.

decisively handle

Focuses on managing a situation with clear and resolute action.

settle definitively

Implies a final and authoritative resolution of a dispute or question.

address comprehensively

Focuses on dealing with something in a thorough and complete manner.

resolve with certainty

Emphasizes the absence of doubt in the resolution.

handle definitively

Focuses on the act of managing something in a final and conclusive way.

tackle once and for all

Suggests dealing with something in a way that prevents future recurrence.

put to rest conclusively

Implies ending a discussion or debate with definitive evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "definitively address" in a sentence?

You can use "definitively address" to indicate that a problem or question is being resolved in a conclusive and thorough manner. For example, "The study aims to definitively address the question of whether climate change is affecting migration patterns."

What are some alternatives to "definitively address"?

Alternatives to "definitively address" include "resolve conclusively", "conclusively tackle", or "firmly resolve". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it more appropriate to use "definitively address" or "comprehensively address"?

"Definitively address" implies a conclusive resolution, while "comprehensively address" ("address comprehensively") indicates a thorough examination of all aspects. Use "definitively" when aiming for a final answer, and "comprehensively" when emphasizing thoroughness.

Can "definitively address" be used in both formal and informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "definitively address" is more suited to formal and academic writing. In informal contexts, using simpler phrases like "deal with" or "sort out" may be more appropriate.