direct mention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "direct mention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific reference or citation of a person, place, or thing in a text or conversation. Example: "In her essay, she made a direct mention of the author's previous work to support her argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She made no direct mention of the conflict with farmers.

The New York Times

Mr. Gephardt's opponents made no direct mention of his positions.

The New York Times

Notably, it made no direct mention of the shutdown.

The New York Times

Li made no direct mention of Scarborough Shoal in the comments provided by the foreign ministry.

The Guardian

But "in the U.S., we won't be making direct mention of that".

The New York Times

He skirted any direct mention of the team's division last year.

The New York Times - Sports

Nothing would be stated too clearly, no names, no scenes recalled, no direct mention of how she might feel.

The Guardian - Books

Unusually, Chen made no direct mention of the Dalai Lama, saying only that the "struggle against separatism has been noticeably stepped up".

The Guardian

Unlike "Fondly Do We Hope... Fervently Do We Pray," created for the Ravinia Festival in Illinois, "Serenade" makes little direct mention of its subject.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Reno, who was accompanied at the ceremony by REPRESENTATIVE CHARLES B. RANGEL, an old friend, made no direct mention of the protesters during her brief speech.

The New York Times

The 30-second ad makes no direct mention of the ruling this week in which a federal judge found the company to have violated antitrust laws.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "direct mention" with specific details to add clarity. For example, specify what was directly mentioned and the context in which it occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "direct mention" when the reference is implied or inferred rather than explicitly stated. "Direct mention" indicates a clear and unmistakable reference, not a subtle hint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "direct mention" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., "made no direct mention of"). It signifies an explicit and unambiguous reference to something. This is reinforced by Ludwig, which shows numerous examples in news and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "direct mention" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to indicate an explicit and unambiguous reference. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use in news, science, and wiki contexts. Its primary function is to emphasize clarity and avoid ambiguity in communication. While synonyms like "explicit reference" and "specific mention" exist, "direct mention" serves a unique purpose in highlighting that a subject was addressed overtly. When writing, ensure the reference is indeed explicit to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explicit reference

Emphasizes the clarity and unambiguity of the reference.

specific mention

Highlights the precision and particularity of the reference.

express acknowledgment

Focuses on the open and overt nature of the acknowledgment.

unequivocal statement

Stresses the absence of doubt or ambiguity in the statement.

overt citation

Emphasizes the openness and visibility of the citation.

clear allusion

Indicates a distinct and easily recognizable reference.

pointed reference

Suggests a deliberate and intentional nature of the reference.

straightforward remark

Highlights the simplicity and directness of the remark.

precise indication

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the indication.

definite affirmation

Stresses the certainty and conclusiveness of the affirmation.

FAQs

How can I use "direct mention" in a sentence?

You can use "direct mention" to indicate that something was explicitly referenced. For example: "The report made a "direct mention" of the company's financial losses".

What is the difference between "direct mention" and "indirect reference"?

"Direct mention" implies an explicit reference, while "indirect reference" suggests a more subtle or implied connection. A "direct mention" is clear and unambiguous; an indirect reference requires interpretation.

Which is correct: "direct mention" or "directly mentioned"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they serve different functions. "Direct mention" is a noun phrase, while "directly mentioned" is a verb phrase. For example: "There was no "direct mention" of the issue." vs. "The issue was not directly mentioned".

What are some alternatives to "direct mention"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "explicit reference", "specific mention", or "express acknowledgment". Each of these alternatives slightly changes the nuance of the statement.