expressly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is stated clearly and explicitly, leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity. Example: "The terms of the agreement expressly state that all parties must comply with the regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In response, Karimov launched a far-reaching crackdown on all forms of religious expression not expressly sanctioned by the state.

The Guardian

And as if that wasn't enough, our high court judge expressly stipulated that a recital be included to our family court order stating that the case was not to be discussed with our child.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mass killings of Tutsis, expressly ordered by the Congolese president, Laurent Kabila, have occurred in western and eastern Congo.

The Guardian

The proposal is that in circumstances closely defined and expressly where it doesn't interfere with people's basic rights, ministers can propose removing the regulation by order.

The Guardian - Opinion

The US vice-president, Joseph Biden, said the letter, drafted by Tom Cotton, a freshman senator from Arkansas, was "expressly designed to undercut a sitting president in the midst of sensitive international negotiations".

The Guardian

It was only done - indeed expressly done - on the basis that Labor might do better at the election.

The Guardian

GNM accepts no responsibility for any costs associated with the prize that are not expressly included in the prize.

The Guardian

"The executing officer or a person assisting is also able to enter the main premise via an adjoining premises, if this is expressly specified in the warrant, where it is required to avoid comprising the prevention or investigation of the relevant offences.

The Guardian

Thus, in 2012 the Republicans propose the female anti-sex bill, in which women are expressly forbidden from having sex with anyone other than the occasional lecherous politician who happens to hurl himself, bodily, sweatily, in her lucky, lucky path.

The Guardian - Opinion

The embalming was, and had always been, expressly for those of us left behind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Oumo suggested that the Soroti district government could intervene by expressly authorising him to post some teachers to Amorikot.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expressly" to emphasize that something is stated clearly and directly, leaving no room for misinterpretation. This is especially useful in legal documents, contracts, or instructions where precision is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "expressly" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "clearly" or "specifically" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "expressly" functions to modify verbs and adjectives, emphasizing that an action or condition is stated or carried out in a clear and direct manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights precision and leaves no room for ambiguity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expressly" is an adverb used to emphasize that something is stated clearly, directly, and intentionally. As Ludwig AI states, the term is correct and usable in English and highlights precision, leaving no room for ambiguity. It is prevalent in news media and formal business contexts, indicating its importance in precise communication. While grammatically correct and frequently used, avoid overusing it in informal settings. Alternatives such as "explicitly" and "specifically" can be used depending on the context. This guide helps you understand and use "expressly" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Explicitly

Focuses on the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the statement.

Specifically

Highlights the detailed and precise nature of the information provided.

Definitely

Emphasizes the certainty and lack of doubt surrounding the action or statement.

Clearly

Indicates that something is easily understood and leaves no room for confusion.

Unambiguously

Stresses the absence of any possibility of misinterpretation.

Particularly

Indicates a specific focus or emphasis on a certain aspect.

Precisely

Suggests a high degree of accuracy and exactness.

Categorically

Implies a complete and absolute statement with no exceptions.

Pointedly

Highlights the deliberate and intentional nature of the statement.

Unequivocally

Emphasizes the firmness and decisiveness of the statement, leaving no room for doubt.

FAQs

How can I use "expressly" in a sentence?

You can use "expressly" to emphasize that something is stated clearly and directly. For example, "The contract "expressly forbids" any alterations without written consent".

What words can I use instead of "expressly"?

Alternatives to "expressly" include "explicitly", "specifically", or "definitely", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "expressly" or "explicitly"?

Both "expressly" and "explicitly" are similar, but "expressly" often carries a stronger sense of intent or purpose. Choose the word that best fits the context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

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

"Expressly" means stated clearly and directly, while "implicitly" means suggested or understood without being directly stated. They are antonyms.