explicitly state

USAGE SUMMARY

'explicitly state' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize a clear and direct statement. For example, "The report should explicitly state how the company plans to move forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both, Buchbinder et al. [ 2] and Bjordal et al. [ 7] explicitly state the need for further research.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

You never explicitly state that belief in your piece.

The New York Times

Three explicitly state that the charge was "nonconsensual sex".

The New York Times

BIN: Explicitly state the binning boundaries, e.g. "10 40 5".

Harvard University

Current and former officials said the report did not explicitly state that the methods were torture.

The New York Times

Mr. Kuchma's written statement, released tonight, did not explicitly state that the military was at fault.

The New York Times

Federal prosecutors also did not explicitly state today that these political consulting fees were improperly deducted.

The New York Times

However, there is currently no requirement to explicitly state that the textile contains nanomaterials.

The Guardian

Your assessments will be faster and more accurate if you explicitly state your criteria.

Harvard Business Review

Explicitly state that you value a collaborative spirit in your group.

Nature

BIN: The user may explicitly state the binning boundaries according to the given binspec.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal contexts, "explicitly state" key clauses to prevent misinterpretation and potential disputes.

Common error

Avoid using "explicitly state" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "say clearly" or "make clear" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explicitly state" functions as a verb phrase used to emphasize the act of making a direct and unambiguous declaration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound construction for highlighting clarity. The provided examples across various sources illustrate its application in contexts demanding precision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explicitly state" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that signifies a direct and unambiguous declaration. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for emphasizing clarity and precision, making it particularly useful in formal contexts like science, news reporting, and academic writing. While it's a reliable choice for avoiding ambiguity, overuse in informal settings may sound unnatural. Remember to consider alternatives like "clearly indicate" or "specifically state" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specifically state

Emphasizes detailing the particulars being stated.

clearly indicate

Focuses on making something evident without direct verbalization.

expressly declare

Highlights a formal and unambiguous announcement.

directly mention

Centers on bringing something up without ambiguity.

precisely define

Stresses the accuracy and exactness of the statement.

overtly assert

Highlights an open and unconcealed affirmation.

unambiguously articulate

Emphasizes clarity and lack of confusion in the expression.

formally stipulate

Refers to a mandatory requirement or condition.

bluntly assert

Indicates stating something directly without softening the message.

unequivocally affirm

Stresses a firm and undeniable declaration.

FAQs

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

You can use "explicitly state" to emphasize a direct and clear declaration, such as, "The contract should "specifically state" the payment terms to avoid any confusion".

What phrases are similar to "explicitly state"?

Alternatives include phrases like "clearly indicate", "expressly declare", or "directly mention", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

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

Whether to "explicitly state" or imply depends on the context. For critical information, it is usually better to "explicitly state" it to ensure clarity. In other situations, implication may be suitable for subtlety or tact, but it risks misunderstanding.

What's the difference between "explicitly state" and "clearly state"?

"Explicitly state" emphasizes a direct and unambiguous declaration, whereas "clearly state" highlights the ease with which the information can be understood. The choice depends on whether the emphasis is on directness or clarity.