explicit brutality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explicit brutality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe violence or harshness that is clearly and openly expressed, often in a graphic or unambiguous manner. Example: "The film was criticized for its explicit brutality, which some viewers found disturbing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The explicit brutality of "The Killer Inside Me" seems to aim for a similar transgression, startling us with a bloody truth that other movies would only suggest.

The New York Times

There is a social-realist aesthetic, and a stark, islanded beauty and bleakness in the areas of northern France where Dumont prefers to film; there is an enigmatic mysticism amid explicit brutality, and a distinctive use of non-professional actors encouraged to maintain an unsmiling blankness and transcendental ordinariness.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But Dissolution makes the brutality explicit.

Vice

Maybe the violence in Seasons 1 and 2 made it necessary to raise the stakes this year, but making the brutality more explicit was the only way to remain true to the complex reality of Tony's life, and it was worth doing.

The New York Times - Arts

McVicar, never one to shy away from challenging subjects, has made explicit the work's implied brutality.

The Guardian - Music

This kind of brutality is not the explicit subject of "October Country," but rather a feature of the world it examines, at once a cause and a symptom of pervasive unhappiness.

The New York Times

In response, Twitter bubbled with outrage about how such blatant disregard for press freedoms pointed to an explicit attempt to sever flows of information about police brutality in Ferguson.

Vice

Fury at the brutality of Conservative welfare cuts, meanwhile, is an explicit driving force in Serious Sweet.

The Guardian - Books

We expect her to talk about mass incarceration and police brutality, but it would be naive to expect an explicit plan that would create lasting change," Sabaah Jordan, a 24-year-old Black Lives Matter activist, told the Guardian when Clinton officially launched her campaign.

The Guardian - Money

The scene is an explicit statement of support for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement, which has arisen surrounding the topic of police brutality as spurred by the increasing number of deaths of black men, women, and children at the hands of the police.

Independent

"Brutality must be called brutality".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explicit brutality", ensure that the context clearly warrants such a strong and descriptive term. Overuse can desensitize the audience, while accurate use can powerfully convey the severity of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "explicit brutality" when the context already implies a high degree of explicitness or brutality. Choose a simpler term if the explicitness is already understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explicit brutality" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "explicit", meaning clear and openly stated, with the noun "brutality", which denotes cruel violence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explicit brutality" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that vividly describes violence that is open and undisguised. Ludwig highlights its function as a descriptive noun phrase commonly found in news and media contexts. While less frequent overall, "explicit brutality" serves to emphasize the intense and severe nature of violence, as also found in sources like the The New York Times, The Guardian, and Vice. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "blatant brutality" or "graphic violence" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ensure its use is warranted by the context to avoid desensitizing the audience with overly strong language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

blatant brutality

Emphasizes the obvious and unconcealed nature of the brutality.

overt savagery

Highlights the open and unhidden quality of the savagery.

unmistakable violence

Focuses on the clear and undeniable presence of violence.

graphic violence

Highlights the vivid and detailed depiction of violence.

unflinching cruelty

Emphasizes the steadfast and resolute nature of the cruelty.

raw violence

Stresses the unrefined and visceral nature of the violence.

naked aggression

Highlights the bare and undisguised form of aggression.

outright barbarity

Focuses on the complete and unreserved nature of the barbaric acts.

unvarnished violence

Emphasizes the plain and unembellished quality of the violence.

patent ruthlessness

Focuses on the obvious and evident nature of the ruthlessness.

FAQs

How can I use "explicit brutality" in a sentence?

You can use "explicit brutality" to describe situations where violence is not only brutal but also openly displayed or described in detail. For example, "The film was criticized for its "explicit brutality".".

What are some alternatives to "explicit brutality"?

Alternatives include "blatant brutality", "overt savagery", or "graphic violence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "very explicit brutality"?

Yes, using "very" with "explicit brutality" can be redundant, as "explicit" already implies a high degree of clarity and openness. It's generally better to let ""explicit brutality"" stand alone.

In what contexts is "explicit brutality" most appropriate?

"Explicit brutality" is most appropriate in contexts where you need to emphasize that the brutality is not hidden or implied but is openly displayed or described, often in graphic detail, especially in "news media" or critical analysis.