explicit content

USAGE SUMMARY

'explicit content' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Generally, this phrase is used to denote material that contains explicit language, or explicit descriptions of certain activities or topics (such as sex, violence, etc). For example, many streaming services have a policy that requires any video or audio content containing explicit language or explicit content to be labeled accordingly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Caution: explicit content.

The Guardian - Tech

First, how do you define "explicit content"?

The Guardian - Tech

nNote: This course contains sexually explicit content.

Stanford University

Three percent of teenagers admit to sending sexually explicit content.

The New York Times

"The explicit content is something we're not comfortable with," a Time-Warner spokesman, Mike Luftman, said.

The New York Times

The site's rules state: "YouTube is not for pornography or sexually explicit content.

The Guardian - Tech

As a result, US albums feature stickers warning of explicit content.

The Guardian - Music

Restricting blogs which contain explicit content to 'private only' effectively kills them off.

The Guardian - Tech

"Facebook's policy should be able to distinguish between cultural nudity and sexually explicit content.

The Guardian - Tech

Russell Brand and Julian Clary, both famed for their explicit content, have brought out children's titles.

The Guardian - Books

WARNING: We rarely feel the need to alert readers to explicit content.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When labeling content, be specific about what makes it "explicit". Specify whether it contains explicit language, sexual content, violence, or a combination of these elements.

Common error

Avoid using "explicit content" as a blanket term without further clarification. Clearly define what aspects of the content are explicit to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explicit content" functions primarily as a descriptor, often used to classify or categorize media, online material, or artistic works. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies material containing overt and detailed depictions of sensitive subjects. Examples range from labeling music to describing film content.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explicit content" serves as a descriptor to label material containing overt depictions of sensitive topics like sex, violence, or strong language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary function is to inform or warn audiences about potentially offensive material. While it appears frequently in news and media, academic sources, and science publications, it is less common in formal business contexts. To enhance clarity, specify the nature of the "explicit" elements—language, sexual content, or violence—to avoid misinterpretation. In sum, "explicit content" is a versatile phrase that requires careful application for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explicit material

A shorter version, removing the noun "content".

sexually explicit material

Replaces "content" with "material" and adds "sexually" for emphasis on the sexual nature.

pornographic material

Specifies the content as pornography, which is a specific type of explicit sexual material.

adult content

A common euphemism for content intended for adults, often referring to sexually explicit material.

sexually suggestive content

Subtly alters the meaning to indicate content that implies or hints at sexual themes, but is not outright explicit.

graphic content

Focuses on the vividness and detail of the content, which could be violent or sexual.

mature content

A broader term that encompasses content suitable only for adults, not necessarily just sexual.

unsuitable content

Highlights that content is not appropriate for certain viewers.

offensive content

Shifts the focus to content that is likely to cause offense, which may include explicit material but also other types of objectionable content.

sensitive content

A more general term that includes material that may be disturbing or upsetting, not necessarily only sexual.

FAQs

How is "explicit content" different from "pornographic content"?

"Explicit content" is a broader term that encompasses any material containing clear and overt depictions of sensitive topics like sex, violence, or drug use. "Pornographic content" is a subset of "explicit content" specifically designed to cause sexual arousal.

What are some examples of "explicit content"?

Examples of "explicit content" include graphic depictions of violence, detailed sexual acts, or strong profanity used in media such as films, video games, music, and literature.

How do content platforms filter "explicit content"?

Content platforms use algorithms and human moderators to identify and filter "explicit content". These systems analyze text, images, and videos for prohibited elements, often relying on user reports to flag content for review.

What can I say instead of "explicit content"?

Depending on the context, you can use terms like "mature content", "adult material", "graphic content", or "sensitive material" to describe content that may be inappropriate for some audiences.