explicit subject

USAGE SUMMARY

'explicit subject' is both a correct and acceptable phrase in written English.
It typically refers to a subject in a sentence that is both stated and clear. For example, "The birthday celebration was a success" has an explicit subject, "The birthday celebration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

It's a play riddled with absurdity, to be sure, but grief is its explicit subject.

The New Yorker

I was interested to see that Ward was making it the explicit subject of his show.

The Guardian

That became the explicit subject of "Queer Street: The Rise and Fall of an American Culture, 1947 1985" (2003), McCourt's cultural geography of the postwar gay imagination.

The New York Times - Books

If you're not attracted to that, and want an explicit subject matter and message – which people often do today – these paintings are probably too subtle, ungiving.

The Guardian - Arts

The struggle between parent and child that is the explicit subject of so many bedtime stories is, in "Goodnight Moon," only implicit.

The New Yorker

Two new pieces by in-house choreographers deal with architecture, either as an explicit subject ("Palladio") or as part of the stage design ("Extremely Close").

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Farce, fraud, and corruption were the explicit subjects of the debate.

The New Yorker

Imperatives need no subject (Run!), and sentence fragments can make sense without explicit subjects: Woke up.

The Economist

Finally, explicit Subjects, whether nominal or pronomial, are required in those relational clauses in which the Finite/Predicator element is in ellipsis, as in example [52].

Functional Linguistics

Both Cleary and Heng use 'marked' imperatives (cf. Halliday and Matthiessen 2004, 138) with explicit subjects (each of you and all of you) to emphasize the audience as responsible to carry out the action.

Functional Linguistics

And considering that all his virtuoso drawings have sexually explicit subjects, you might want to enjoy them without in-laws or your kids nearby.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explicit subject" when you want to emphasize that the topic is directly and openly addressed, leaving no room for ambiguity or misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "explicit subject" when the topic is implied or suggested rather than directly stated. An explicit subject is clearly presented, while an implicit subject is understood through context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explicit subject" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. As supported by Ludwig, it identifies the topic or theme being openly and directly addressed within a text, discussion, or artistic piece.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "explicit subject" is grammatically sound and serves to clearly identify the main topic or theme of a discussion, text, or artwork. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates directness and openness, leaving little room for ambiguity. While adaptable across various contexts, it's most frequently encountered in news, media, and scientific publications where precision is valued. Remember to employ "explicit subject" when you want to highlight a topic that is clearly and openly addressed. By avoiding confusion with related concepts like an "implicit subject", you can ensure clarity in your communication. Key sources such as The New Yorker and The New York Times consistently demonstrate its appropriate use, reinforcing its status as a valuable tool for effective written and verbal expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stated topic

Focuses on the act of stating the topic directly.

overt theme

Emphasizes the openness and visibility of the theme.

clearly defined subject

Highlights the clarity and definition of the subject.

direct subject matter

Focuses on the directness of the subject matter.

unambiguous topic

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the topic.

specified subject

Highlights that the subject has been specifically identified.

expressly stated subject

Adds emphasis to the fact that the subject has been explicitly stated.

plain subject

Focuses on the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of the subject.

articulated theme

Implies that the theme has been clearly articulated or expressed.

declared subject

Highlights that the subject has been formally declared or announced.

FAQs

What does "explicit subject" mean?

An "explicit subject" refers to the topic or theme that is directly and openly addressed in a piece of writing, conversation, or artwork. It is clear and unambiguous, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

How can I identify the "explicit subject" in a text?

Look for the main topic or theme that the author or speaker directly states or focuses on. The "explicit subject" is usually evident from the beginning and is consistently addressed throughout the work.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "explicit subject"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "stated topic", "overt theme", or "clearly defined subject".

Is it better to have an "explicit subject" or an implicit one?

Whether an "explicit subject" or an implicit one is better depends on the purpose and style of the writing or communication. An "explicit subject" provides clarity and directness, while an implicit subject can create intrigue and encourage deeper interpretation.