make definite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make definite" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or specify something more clearly or precisely. Example: "To avoid confusion, we need to make definite the terms of our agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

DELAY STRIKE PARLEY.; German Rail Unions Decide to Make Definite Proposal.

The New York Times

Drawing on surprisingly fertile decades of biographical scholarship, Greenblatt is not afraid to make definite assertions.

The New Yorker

Archives|DELAY STRIKE PARLEY.; German Rail Unions Decide to Make Definite Proposal.

The New York Times

Many small piedmont groups were probably Siouan-speaking peoples, but surviving data are insufficient to make definite identifications.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In conclusion, statistical analysis of the damage accumulation data allows us to make definite conclusions regarding the damage accumulation behaviour in structures where microcrack growth is disperse, and when it differs widely between specimens.

International Journal of Fatigue

And here, in a rather longer quote, is Schaeffer on the role of Christianity in civil government: … we must make definite that we are in no way talking about any kind of a theocracy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr. Dupuy has not made definite plans for the future.

The New York Times - Food

The Matias family has not made definite plans but is almost certainly headed out of East New York.

The New York Times

He made clear to Marshall that because of this contingency the employment had to be made definite and formalized.

Harvard University

Hiller, too, is a kind of conceptualist; she makes definite but subversive use of the movement's methods.

The Guardian - Arts

However, challenges and pitfalls exist in association studies, and consideration of particular features of study design is necessary before making definite conclusions from these studies.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make definite" when you need to emphasize the act of clarifying or confirming details to avoid ambiguity. For example: "To avoid legal issues, we need to "make definite" the terms of our agreement."

Common error

While "make definite" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "clarify" or "confirm" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make definite" primarily functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the act of clarifying, specifying, or confirming something to eliminate ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

4%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make definite" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that signifies clarifying or confirming something to ensure precision. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, though it tends to be more prevalent in scientific, news, and formal business settings. While effective for emphasizing clarity, simpler alternatives like "clarify" or "confirm" may be more appropriate in informal settings. Overall, "make definite" serves as a valuable tool for precise communication, as highlighted by the many examples Ludwig provides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clarify

This alternative focuses on making something clearer and easier to understand.

specify clearly

This alternative emphasizes providing specific details in an unambiguous manner.

confirm

This alternative highlights the act of establishing certainty about something.

determine precisely

This alternative focuses on discovering or establishing something exactly and accurately.

establish with certainty

This alternative emphasizes the act of proving something beyond any doubt.

define explicitly

This alternative highlights the act of setting forth the meaning of something in a clear and detailed manner.

ascertain definitively

This alternative emphasizes the act of finding something out for certain.

make certain

This alternative focuses on ensuring something is undoubtedly true or correct.

nail down

This alternative, more informal, suggests finalizing or confirming a specific detail.

set in stone

This alternative, more figurative, emphasizes making something unchangeable and final.

FAQs

What does "make definite" mean?

"Make definite" means to clarify, specify, or confirm something in a clear and precise manner.

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

You can use "make definite" to indicate that you are clarifying something. For example: "We must "make definite" the requirements before proceeding".

What can I say instead of "make definite"?

You can use alternatives like "clarify", "specify clearly", or "confirm" depending on the context.

When should I use "make definite" instead of "clarify"?

"Make definite" is suitable when you want to emphasize the action of making something precise and leaving no room for ambiguity. "Clarify" is more general and aims to make something easier to understand.