flat statements

USAGE SUMMARY

"flat statements" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a statement that is made in a straightforward manner, without emotion or humour. For example, "The professor made a few flat statements about the new policy before asking for questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The facts Ross liked best took the form of flat statements, preferably impersonal.

The New York Times - Books

Comey's prepared testimony did include that comment from Trump about finding out if others were involved — which, of course, runs contrary to Trump's flat statements in the past that there was no collusion.

The Washington Post

His flat statements on the Roma have drawn the ire of people on the left, who had expected that a socialist government would take a more lenient approach toward the minority, many of whom live in shantytowns on the edges of France's large cities.

The New York Times

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg called press reports to the contrary "outrageous". The flat statements, not to mention the indignation, however, contrasted sharply with a more insinuated, and distinctly consensual, picture that has begun to emerge of the relationship between the NSA and the Internet companies.

The Guardian

Ambivalent subtleties and poetic analogies may be domain to both music and language, but flat statements that can either be true or false are native to the word alone.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

6 All that remains to be considered is the flat statement that Spinelli was 'known' to the FBI and others as a gambler.

Cornell University

For every sentence that hits the rich cadences of circus speak, there is a line that reads like a flat statement of performativity.

The Guardian - Books

Yet, for Welty, the novel is not an apolitical or morally neutral genre: "Indeed, we are more aware of [the novelist's] moral convictions through a novel than any flat statement of belief from him could make us".

The New Yorker

There's no question that a vote against a flat statement that climate change is real could have been problematic for candidates down the road -- especially for those various Republican senators quietly preparing for the big election in 2016.

The Washington Post

He is 21, and though outdoor scenes of him coaching young baseball players reflect his concern for others, nothing but a flat statement establishes him as a student working toward a degree at Queensboro Community College.

The New York Times

The parents were happy to learn that she was not only a member of a Greek-letter sorority and an officer in several campus organizations, but also, according to a flat statement in the bulletin, Proctor for Western Civilization.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flat statements" to convey information directly, without embellishment. This is particularly useful in technical or formal contexts where clarity is paramount.

Common error

While "flat statements" are effective for clarity, avoid relying on them excessively in creative writing. Overuse can make your writing sound monotonous and lack depth. Vary your sentence structure and include figurative language to enhance engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flat statements" functions as a noun phrase, where "flat" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "statements". It describes the quality of the statements being made, emphasizing their directness and lack of embellishment. Ludwig AI also confirms that it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flat statements" describes assertions presented directly and without embellishment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. This phrase is common in news and media and academic contexts, conveying objectivity and clarity. To use "flat statements" effectively, prioritize directness in formal communication and avoid overuse in creative writing to maintain reader engagement. Alternative phrases like ""direct assertions"" and "unequivocal declarations" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unequivocal declarations

Emphasizes the lack of ambiguity in the statements.

direct assertions

Highlights the straightforward nature of the claims.

simple pronouncements

Focuses on the lack of complexity in the statements.

plain pronouncements

Focuses on clarity and lack of embellishment

straightforward declarations

Highlights the lack of evasion in the statements.

explicit claims

Emphasizes the clear and unambiguous nature of the assertions.

blunt pronouncements

Emphasizes the directness and potential harshness of the statements.

categorical assertions

Implies the statements are without exception or condition.

unadorned statements

Focuses on the simplicity and lack of embellishment of the statements.

matter-of-fact statements

Highlights the unemotional and factual tone of the statements.

FAQs

How to use "flat statements" in a sentence?

"Flat statements" are used to convey information directly and without embellishment. For example, "The report contained several "direct assertions" about the company's financial performance."

What can I say instead of "flat statements"?

You can use alternatives like ""direct assertions"", "unequivocal declarations", or "simple pronouncements" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "flat statements"?

"Flat statements" are appropriate in situations where clarity and directness are valued, such as technical reports, legal documents, or business communications. Avoid using them excessively in creative writing or personal narratives, where emotional depth and figurative language are more desirable.

What is the difference between "flat statements" and "opinions"?

"Flat statements" present information as facts, without expressing personal feelings or beliefs. Opinions, on the other hand, reflect subjective views and interpretations. For example, "The data shows a 10% increase in sales" is a flat statement, while "I believe this increase is due to our new marketing campaign" is an opinion.