explicitly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "explicitly" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to make clear that something is stated in a precise and definite way. For example: "The terms of the agreement were explicitly stated in the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Party leadership figures lined up to persuade members to vote for an endorsement of "business of usual" on fiscal policy, albeit accepting some amended language committing us explicitly to prioritising sensible stuff like investment in infrastructure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mulligan, 29, is not one to campaign explicitly for causes, and told the Guardian last year that she was "not particularly interested in politics".

The Guardian - Film

Watson asserted Schott explicitly raised concerns about the ballooning costs.

The Guardian

In his first reaction to the results, Mas insisted he would stay on as president and any government would have to include CiU, but did not explicitly mention the referendum.

The Guardian

There are carrots there for everyone and Robinson explicitly states that the DUP will negotiate with anyone.

The Guardian

Spiked judges said that "the union is subscribing not only to the boycott of products but the boycotting of Israeli academics... as this motion does not explicitly link to a censorship of speech, this is not an outright ban on pro-Israeli thought".

The Guardian

And a passage in Brown's party conference speech was explicitly critical of the crude meritocracy which had been his predecessor's definition of a good society.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were explicitly pornographic, of the gonzo not vanilla variety, and audience members (particularly school children) spent much of the day pouring over them with fascination.

The Guardian

Once upon a distant, Reithian time, public service broadcasting meant never plugging anything explicitly.

The Guardian

In short order, Indiana governor Mike Pence had been forced to call for a legislative fix to the law to explicitly protect LGBT individuals and Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson had said he would not sign a similar religious freedom bill without similar fixes.

The Guardian

"We want a place that is great to skateboard in, but that doesn't look explicitly designed for skateboarding".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explicitly" to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity in formal writing, especially when outlining rules, agreements, or instructions. Ensure that the context supports the need for such directness.

Common error

Avoid using "explicitly" too frequently in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler words like "clearly" or "directly" often suffice and sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "explicitly" is as an adverb modifying a verb or clause. As Ludwig AI explains, it emphasizes the directness and clarity of the action or statement. It serves to specify how something is done or stated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explicitly" functions as an adverb to ensure clarity and precision. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains. While it's most frequent in news and formal contexts, remember to use it judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding unnatural. To enhance your writing, consider alternatives like "specifically" or "expressly", depending on the context. Use "explicitly" when you want to make sure there is no room for doubt or misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specifically

This term is very similar to "explicitly" but may focus more on detailed precision.

expressly

This alternative conveys a sense of directness and clarity, similar to "explicitly".

unambiguously

This phrase focuses on the clarity and lack of multiple interpretations.

definitely

This implies a firm and clear statement, close to "explicitly".

clearly

This alternative emphasizes the ease of understanding, a key aspect of "explicitly".

directly

This term is less about detail and more about straightforward communication.

plainly

This emphasizes simplicity and lack of ambiguity.

in detail

This focuses on thoroughness rather than directness.

pointedly

This suggests a deliberate and direct statement, possibly with emphasis.

categorically

This conveys a sense of being absolute and without conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "explicitly" in a sentence?

Use "explicitly" to indicate that something is expressed or stated in a clear and detailed way, leaving no room for confusion. For example, "The contract "explicitly states" the terms of payment."

What words can I use instead of "explicitly"?

Alternatives to "explicitly" include "specifically", "expressly", or "unambiguously". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "explicitly state"?

While "explicitly" already implies a direct statement, using "explicitly state" can sometimes add emphasis, though it's best to ensure it doesn't create unnecessary wordiness. Consider whether "state" adds real value.

What's the difference between "explicitly" and "implicitly"?

"Explicitly" means stated clearly and in detail, while "implicitly" means suggested or understood though not directly expressed. They are antonyms; for example, something can be "explicitly defined" or implicitly understood.