far from definite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far from definite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is uncertain or not clearly defined. Example: "The results of the experiment were far from definite, leaving room for further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This research has an exploratory aim, and its findings are far from definite.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

"It is clear from the reports that any move to sell Volvo is in the early stages and far from definite, but the increased speculation appears to have some substance and is based on sources involved in the process," said Newton.

Forbes

Although this value is somewhat different from the −20‰ [30] that is expected from a pure terrestrial nutrient intake, natural variations occur in the order of ±2‰ and it is therefore far from definite that a shift in age can be attributed to a reservoir effect.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If a particle or light ray cannot "travel arbitrarily far" from a definite, bounded region in the interior of spacetime but must remain always in the region, the idea is, then that region is one of no escape, and is thus a black hole.

SEP

Unfortunately, in spite of this large number of studies we are still far from a definite understanding of the importance of host tree identity for the structure and dynamics of vascular epiphytes assemblages.

AoB PLANTS

His family was distinguished but far from rich, and had definite republican associations.

The New Yorker

THE state of the economy is far from ideal, but some very definite positives are brewing.

The New York Times

David Foster Wallace hated to fly, and claimed his fear was far from irrational, given that "a definite percentage of commercial airliners crash every year".

The Guardian

Our pilot study demonstrates that a quantitative assessment of the fluorescence results obtained by FOI is feasible, although so far no definite cut-off value could be delineated that perfectly separates inflamed from non-inflamed joints in patients with RA.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Martin Landseck, 32, pouring beer at another stand, took a far less definite attitude.

The New York Times

They're far more definite when it comes to explaining their creative process.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "far from definite" to express a state of uncertainty or a lack of clear definition, especially when tempering expectations or qualifying a statement.

Common error

While "far from definite" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound less direct. Opt for stronger, more concise alternatives like "uncertain" or "inconclusive" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far from definite" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of certainty or conclusiveness. It serves to qualify a statement, suggesting that something is not yet firmly established or decided. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

67%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "far from definite" serves as an adjective phrase to express uncertainty or lack of clear definition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While appearing more frequently in scientific contexts, it is also found in news and media, suggesting a neutral register. When writing, consider stronger alternatives in formal contexts. Alternatives such as "uncertain" or "not conclusive" may be more appropriate depending on the desired tone and clarity. Use the phrase judiciously to accurately convey the degree of uncertainty you intend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not definitive

Replaces the idiomatic "far from" with a direct negative, simplifying the phrase.

uncertain

Focuses directly on the lack of certainty, omitting the distancing effect of "far from".

inconclusive

Mirrors "not conclusive" but uses a single word for brevity.

not conclusive

Emphasizes the lack of a final decision or outcome.

not yet decided

Highlights the ongoing nature of the decision-making process.

up in the air

Uses an idiom to suggest that the matter is unresolved and subject to change.

subject to change

Indicates that the current state is not fixed and can be altered.

debatable

Implies that there are valid arguments on both sides, making a firm conclusion difficult.

open to question

Suggests that the matter is not settled and remains open for discussion.

tenuous

Highlights the weakness or instability of the current position.

FAQs

How can I use "far from definite" in a sentence?

You can use "far from definite" to express that something is uncertain or not clearly defined. For example, "The results of the study are "far from definite", requiring further research."

What are some alternatives to "far from definite"?

Alternatives include "uncertain", "not conclusive", or "debatable", depending on the context.

Is "far from definite" the same as "not definite"?

While similar, "far from definite" implies a greater degree of uncertainty or distance from being settled than simply "not definite".

When is it appropriate to use "far from definite" in writing?

It is appropriate when you want to highlight that something is not yet firmly established or decided, and there is a considerable degree of uncertainty involved.