explicit language

USAGE SUMMARY

"explicit language" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to language that is direct and specific with its meaning. For example, "The politician used explicit language when criticizing the opposing party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Education

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It has nudity and explicit language.

The New York Times

A poem in the book uses explicit language about incest.

The New York Times

But Mr. Erdogan's comments were notable for his explicit language.

The New York Times

Soon after, the Legislature passed explicit language to that effect.

The New York Times

Jibbigo also has a button for allowing explicit language.

The New York Times - Tech

Without nudity or explicit language, the episode was a treatise on the limits of sexual freedom.

The New York Times - Arts

Women journalists have been the target of offensive stories using sexually explicit language.

The Guardian

In fact, Mr. Pryor's often harsh observations and explicit language did offend some audiences.

The New York Times

The board screens the lyrics of every record the company releases for explicit language.

The New York Times

These issues need to be addressed through explicit language in the financing legislation now taking shape.

The New York Times

Like Ms. Calkins, Ms. Tolan said nothing about explicit language instruction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "explicit language" in warnings or content descriptions, be specific about what aspects of the language are explicit (e.g., sexual content, violence, profanity) to provide clear expectations for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "explicit language" as a vague descriptor. Instead, specify the nature of the explicitness, such as "sexually explicit language" or "language containing graphic violence", to provide more context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explicit language" functions primarily as a descriptive term. Ludwig AI shows it's used to characterize content containing direct, often potentially offensive, vocabulary. It acts as a warning or a descriptor of content features.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

10%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Arts

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explicit language" is a commonly used phrase primarily functioning as a descriptor or warning for content containing strong or potentially offensive words. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, especially in news and media. While it doesn't inherently carry a negative connotation, it serves to inform audiences about the nature of the language they might encounter. When writing, it's best to specify the nature of the explicitness rather than relying on the term as a vague, blanket statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear language

Focuses on the clarity of the language used.

direct language

Emphasizes the straightforwardness of the language.

unambiguous language

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in the language.

plain language

Suggests the language is simple and easy to understand.

express language

Emphasizes how expressive a certain language is.

unequivocal terms

Implies language leaves no room for doubt.

sexually suggestive language

Adding sexually context instead of leaving it to the adjective

graphic language

Focuses on the vividness and detail of the language, often implying it's unsettling.

offensive language

Refers to language that is likely to cause offense.

strong language

Suggests powerful or potentially shocking words are used.

FAQs

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

You can use "explicit language" to describe content that contains strong or potentially offensive words. For example, "The film is rated R due to its use of "explicit language" and violence."

What are some alternatives to "explicit language"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "clear language", "direct language", or "unambiguous language". For potentially offensive language, consider "strong language" or "offensive language".

Is "explicit language" always negative?

Not necessarily. While it often implies the presence of offensive or sensitive content, "explicit language" can also refer to language that is clear and direct, leaving no room for misinterpretation. However, it is often used in the context of warnings or disclaimers.

What's the difference between "explicit language" and "graphic language"?

"Explicit language" refers to language that is direct and detailed, often including strong or offensive words. "Graphic language" describes language that is vivid and detailed, often used to create a strong image in the reader's mind, sometimes with violent or disturbing content.