in definite terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in definite terms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express something clearly and unambiguously. Example: "The contract must outline the responsibilities of each party in definite terms to avoid any misunderstandings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Munro, 82, told the Canada's National Post in definite terms earlier this year that she wanted to retire, saying that she had "very much" come to terms with the decision.

The Guardian - Books

Robots compute in definite terms: yes or no, it's all '0's and '1's to them.

Forbes

Activities involving deep concentration away from the focal point of the stressful thoughts will in definite terms help to ease the situation.

WikiHow

You want to avoid speaking in definite terms about the future, because this creates a lot of pressure and expectations for him...which is stressful and can scare him away!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The piper diagram is useful in bringing out chemical relationships among water in more definite terms (Walton 1970).

Applied Water Science

This diagram is very useful in bringing out chemical relationships among groundwater in more definite terms (Walton 1970).

Applied Water Science

These trilinear diagrams are useful in bringing out chemical relationships among groundwater samples in more definite terms rather than with other possible plotting methods (Sajil Kumar 2013).

Applied Water Science

The trilinear diagram is useful in bringing out chemical relationships among groundwater samples in more definite terms compared to other convectional plotting methods.

Applied Water Science

In addition, your invention must provide some utility to society, must not be offensive to public standards of morality, and must be novel, non-obvious, adequately described or enabled, and claimed by the inventor in clear and definite terms.

WikiHow

Greek proslepsis can mean "something taken in addition," and Theophrastus claimed that propositions like these implicitly contain a third, indefinite term, in addition to the two definite terms ("α" and "γ" in the example).

Britannica

The offer is made orally, there is a commitment (to give the boat to your neighbor in exchange for money), and definite terms (an exact boat and dollar amount are named).

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in definite terms", ensure the context requires a high degree of clarity and precision. Avoid using it redundantly; sometimes, 'clearly' or 'explicitly' suffices.

Common error

While "in definite terms" can add emphasis, avoid using it in informal contexts where simpler language would be more appropriate. Overly formal language can sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in definite terms" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, adding emphasis to the clarity and explicitness of a statement. Ludwig highlights that it is correct and usable in written English, particularly when precision is crucial.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in definite terms" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize clarity and precision in communication. While grammatically correct, as affirmed by Ludwig, it's relatively rare in usage and most appropriate for formal contexts where avoiding ambiguity is critical. Ludwig provides several examples showcasing its utility in various scenarios, primarily in news, wiki, and science contexts. For more informal situations, alternatives like "in clear terms" or "explicitly stated" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in clear terms

Replaces 'definite' with 'clear', focusing on ease of understanding.

in explicit terms

Substitutes 'definite' with 'explicit', highlighting directness and detail.

in unambiguous language

Replaces "definite terms" with a focus on the lack of ambiguity.

in certain terms

Changes 'definite' to 'certain', emphasizing assurance and conviction.

in specific terms

Shifts the focus to particularity and precision instead of general definiteness.

unambiguously stated

Rephrases the entire expression to emphasize the lack of ambiguity in the statement.

clearly defined

Emphasizes the definition aspect, making something not vague.

precisely outlined

Highlights the precision with which something is described.

expressly stated

Focuses on the act of explicitly stating something, removing any doubt.

categorically

Uses an adverb to express a complete and direct manner of expression.

FAQs

How can I use "in definite terms" in a sentence?

Use "in definite terms" to express something clearly and unambiguously. For example, "The contract must outline the responsibilities of each party "in definite terms" to avoid any misunderstandings."

What are some alternatives to "in definite terms"?

You can use alternatives such as "in clear terms", "in explicit terms", or "unambiguously stated" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "in definite terms"?

It's appropriate to use "in definite terms" when you need to ensure there is no room for misinterpretation or ambiguity. It's best suited for formal or legal contexts.

What is the difference between "in clear terms" and ""in definite terms""?

"In clear terms" suggests something is easily understood, while ""in definite terms"" emphasizes that something is precise and leaves no room for doubt.