explicitly say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explicitly say" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that a statement was unambiguously stated. For example, "The professor explicitly said that the test would take place at 8am on Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It did not explicitly say.

The New York Times

The statute does not explicitly say who can be sued.

The New York Times

He's iconic, a leader without having to explicitly say it.

The Guardian - Music

The judge did not explicitly say why he deviated so far from the maximum sentence.

The New York Times

(This is life in Folly Cove, though she doesn't explicitly say so).

The New Yorker

They in fact know that, although they don't explicitly say so.

The New York Times

It did not explicitly say that stock and bond markets were waiting to burst.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

And he explicitly says that Mankiewicz was not present.

The New Yorker

Both have explicitly said this would be a 'deal-breaker'.

The Guardian

"He never explicitly said that he was not on drugs.

The New Yorker

Discomfitingly, the bank explicitly said notes should not be taken at the meeting.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When documenting requirements or instructions, use "explicitly say" to eliminate any ambiguity and ensure clear understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "explicitly say" too frequently in casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal or pedantic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "clearly state" or "simply say" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explicitly say" functions as a verb phrase used to emphasize the directness and clarity of a statement. It indicates that something was communicated without ambiguity or implication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explicitly say" is a versatile verb phrase used to emphasize the direct and unambiguous nature of a statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. While particularly common in news, science, and formal business settings, its overuse in informal conversation should be avoided. When precision is key and potential for misinterpretation exists, using "explicitly say" helps ensure clear communication. Consider alternatives such as "state clearly" or "make explicit" depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make explicit

Focuses on making something clear and leaving no room for misinterpretation.

state clearly

Emphasizes clarity and directness in the statement, removing any ambiguity.

communicate unambiguously

Focuses on ensuring that the communication is free from any potential misunderstanding.

express directly

Focuses on the directness of the expression, without hinting or implication.

articulate plainly

Highlights the clarity and simplicity of the articulation.

declare openly

Stresses the openness and lack of concealment in the declaration.

utter unequivocally

Emphasizes the unambiguous nature of the utterance.

spell out

Indicates a detailed and unambiguous explanation.

specify exactly

Highlights the precision and detail in the specification.

assert definitively

Emphasizes the authoritative and conclusive nature of the assertion.

FAQs

How can I use "explicitly say" in a sentence?

You can use "explicitly say" to emphasize that something was stated directly and without any ambiguity. For example, "The instructions "explicitly say" to use only distilled water."

What are some alternatives to "explicitly say"?

Alternatives to "explicitly say" include "state clearly", "make explicit", or "articulate plainly". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to "explicitly say" something or imply it?

Whether to "explicitly say" something or imply it depends on the situation. When clarity is essential, "explicitly saying" it is preferable. Implication can be useful for subtlety or tact, but it risks being misunderstood.

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

"Explicitly say" means to state something directly and clearly, leaving no room for doubt. "Implicitly suggest" means to hint at something without directly stating it, relying on context or inference. They are opposites; one is direct, and the other is indirect.