in explicit terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in explicit terms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is stated clearly and distinctly using precise language. For example, "The terms of the agreement were laid out in explicit terms so that all parties were clear on their obligations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Another no vote belonged to Representative David McKinley, a freshman who justified his vote to his constituents in explicit terms.

The New York Times

Trump may not have read it, but everyone who seeks to understand in explicit terms the depth of the danger he represents should.

The New Yorker

In response, British officials began to circulate pages from diaries, purportedly written by Casement in 1903, 1910 and 1911, which chronicled in explicit terms his sexual relations with men.

The Guardian - Books

The interrogator told the prisoner in explicit terms that: "He would be subject to all the pain and agony that the Wolf battalion is known to exact upon its detainees".

The Guardian

The Trump campaign was rocked last week by the publication of a live microphone recording from 2005, in which Trump boasted in explicit terms about kissing and groping women without their consent.

The Guardian

In a century in which so many writers struggled against censorship laws for the right to describe a variety of sexual activities in explicit terms, Dame Barbara's prose remained dedicated to an unlikely celebration of the adventures of passionate virgins.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

While this correspondence can be described in fairly explicit terms and has been the subject of recent research by one of the authors [12], here we only summarize the final outcome needed for the present paper.

Complex Analysis and its Synergies

That prompted Judge Fidler to order her back to court last week and to ask her in clear, explicit terms whether she was in fact guilty of the charges and if she wished to plead guilty.

The New York Times

The role of dopamine neurons in value-guided behavior has been described in computationally explicit terms.

Biological Psychiatry

Of course, I already knew this: it had been staring me in the face since I arrived, but to see it written down in such explicit terms drove me to the exit.

The Guardian

They point to remarks that Mr. Obama made on CNN where, after saying he did not believe "in a bunch of judicial law-making," he went on to describe in relatively explicit terms for a presidential candidate what sort of perspective he would want his nominees to have.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in explicit terms" when you want to emphasize that something is communicated directly and without any room for misinterpretation. It's particularly effective when clarifying complex or sensitive topics.

Common error

While "in explicit terms" is useful for emphasis, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "clearly stated" or "in plain language" to maintain a natural and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in explicit terms" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which something is expressed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights clarity and directness in communication.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in explicit terms" serves to emphasize clarity and precision in communication, indicating that something is stated directly and unambiguously. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news and media, science, and formal contexts, highlighting its versatility across different domains. When using this phrase, remember that while it is effective for emphasis, varying your language with synonyms can help maintain a natural and engaging tone. Top authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase to convey important details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in clear terms

Replaces 'explicit' with 'clear', emphasizing ease of understanding.

in plain language

Focuses on simplicity and avoiding jargon.

clearly stated

Highlights the unambiguous nature of the statement.

specifically stated

Emphasizes the detailed and precise nature of the statement.

expressly stated

Similar to 'specifically stated' but with a more formal tone.

unambiguously

Adverbial form focusing on the lack of ambiguity.

in no uncertain terms

Highlights the firmness and decisiveness of the statement.

directly

Focuses on the straightforward nature of the communication.

without vagueness

Emphasizes the absence of ambiguity or uncertainty.

pointedly

Suggests the statement was made with a specific purpose or emphasis.

FAQs

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

You can use "in explicit terms" to emphasize clarity and directness. For example, "The contract outlined the responsibilities "in explicit terms", leaving no room for ambiguity."

What is a good alternative to "in explicit terms"?

Alternatives to "in explicit terms" include "clearly stated", "in plain language", or "specifically stated" depending on the context.

What does it mean to say something is "in explicit terms"?

Saying something is "in explicit terms" means it is communicated directly, clearly, and without any ambiguity or vagueness. It ensures there is no room for misinterpretation.

Is it always necessary to explain things "in explicit terms"?

No, explaining things "in explicit terms" is not always necessary. It's most useful when dealing with complex topics, sensitive information, or situations where clarity is paramount to avoid misunderstandings. Sometimes, simpler language or context may suffice.