is not definite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not definite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that lacks clarity, precision, or certainty. Example: "The outcome of the experiment is not definite, and further testing is required to draw a conclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Peter is not definite on that".

The Guardian

They could also be forced to forgo bonuses and dividend payments, although that is not definite.

The New York Times

This list is not definite, the project being absolutely open, especially to research teams and Faculties of Law of southern states.

Cornell University

Endorsing the drug was "a difficult decision because the research is not definite yet," said Dr. Peter Piot, executive director of Unaids, a consortium of United Nations agencies.

The New York Times

While it is not definite that Notre Dame will hire Kelly, he is the only remaining home run hire on the board.

The New York Times - Sports

"Retirement is not definite for Joe," Enzo told the Guardian, having also claimed prior to the Jones fight that his son could be persuaded to continue if someone "put $20m on the table".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Doom isn't definite.

The Guardian - Film

That's great news — but it isn't definite proof that eating Mediterranean prevents breast cancer.

Harvard University

Mrs. Mottke isn't definite about going, and just then Mr. Mottke arrives.

The New Yorker

There's possibly a half-decent six track EP in here somewhere, but even that isn't definite".

Independent

While it isn't definite confirmation of the rumors, it does suggest that reports of a hybrid hand-held approach are on the right track.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not definite", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect is uncertain. This helps avoid ambiguity and clarifies the specific element lacking definiteness.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "is not definite" without providing further explanation or supporting evidence. Overuse can weaken your argument and leave readers unclear about the specific uncertainties involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not definite" primarily functions as a qualifier, expressing uncertainty or a lack of precision about a particular statement, plan, or outcome. Ludwig shows examples where the phrase is used to express the uncertainty of an event, a plan or a conclusion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not definite" serves as a crucial qualifier used to express uncertainty or a lack of precision. Found across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Academia, Ludwig's analysis highlights its neutral register and frequent usage. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to use this phrase with contextual details, and to avoid over-reliance on vague qualifiers. This promotes transparency in conveying information, emphasizing that certain aspects are still subject to change or further confirmation. Furthermore, alternatives like "is uncertain" or "remains to be seen" can be employed to diversify your writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is uncertain

Replaces "definite" with "uncertain", directly indicating a lack of certainty.

is indefinite

Directly states a lack of defined limits or certainty.

is not assured

Emphasizes that something lacks a guarantee or confirmation.

remains to be seen

Indicates that the outcome is still unknown and will be revealed in the future.

is questionable

Suggests that there are doubts or reasons to question the certainty of something.

is subject to change

Highlights the possibility of alterations or modifications, implying a lack of definiteness.

is up in the air

An idiomatic expression signifying that a decision or outcome is still pending and unresolved.

lacks precision

Focuses on the absence of exactness or accuracy.

is ambiguous

Highlights that something is open to multiple interpretations.

is not set in stone

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is not fixed or unchangeable.

FAQs

How can I use "is not definite" in a sentence?

Use "is not definite" to express uncertainty about a plan, outcome, or statement. For example: "The timeline for the project is not definite, and may be subject to change."

What's a formal alternative to "is not definite"?

In formal writing, you can replace "is not definite" with phrases like "remains uncertain" or "is subject to change".

What can I say instead of "is not definite" in casual conversation?

In casual conversation, you can use phrases like "is up in the air" or "is questionable" instead of "is not definite".

Is "is not definite" the same as "is indefinite"?

While similar, "is not definite" emphasizes a lack of certainty or precision, whereas "is indefinite" suggests a lack of defined limits or boundaries. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.