make definitive

USAGE SUMMARY

"make definitive" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to express the act of establishing something as final or conclusive. Example: "The committee aims to make definitive decisions by the end of the month." Alternative expressions include "establish clearly" and "render conclusive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The studies don't include enough data to make definitive recommendations for either group.

The New York Times - Health

Postal officials said they would not make definitive announcements on any post office closings before January.

The New York Times

In addition, while their questionnaire detected depressive symptoms, the researchers were not able to make definitive diagnoses of clinical depression.

The New York Times - Health

He said that it was too soon to make definitive conclusions as to whether her death was suicide or murder.

The Guardian

"As we complete the work and can make definitive findings on fireproofing variability, then a recommendation can be made".

The New York Times

True, the court had already dissolved our impromptu marriage and had yet to make definitive law on the issue.

The New York Times

Its purpose is not to make definitive funding decisions but to make recommendations.

Science Magazine

"It's too early to make definitive statements," he says, but "both would be interesting".

Science Magazine

LBNE, at least as originally designed, would make definitive measurements of those "neutrino oscillations".

Science Magazine

Nevertheless, a small, apparently irreducible number of cases remains in which overlapping cytological details make definitive diagnosis impossible.

Current Diagnostic Pathology

As an aside, while we also examine SSS's effect on recipients' expenditure, we are unable to make definitive conclusions.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make definitive", ensure the context clearly supports the establishment of something as final or conclusive. Avoid using it when expressing tentative or preliminary findings.

Common error

Avoid using "make definitive" when the evidence is not yet strong enough to support a firm conclusion. Using it prematurely can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make definitive" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It signifies the action of rendering something final, conclusive, or beyond dispute. Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts where conclusions or statements are being finalized based on available information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make definitive" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that signifies finalizing a conclusion or decision. According to Ludwig, the phrase appears most often in scientific and news contexts, but can also be found in formal business settings. The examples provided demonstrate its usage in situations where a clear and final determination is needed. While generally acceptable, it's important to ensure the evidence supports the level of certainty implied by the phrase and that is in accordance with Ludwig's analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach a definitive conclusion

Emphasizes the act of arriving at a final and certain judgment.

make a conclusive determination

Similar to the query, but stresses the determination aspect.

draw a firm conclusion

Focuses on the strength and certainty of the conclusion reached.

arrive at a conclusive decision

Highlights the decisiveness and finality of the decision-making process.

form a definitive judgment

Highlights the act of forming a clear and final opinion.

establish definitively

Shifts the focus to the act of proving something beyond doubt.

determine with certainty

Underscores the element of নিশ্চিত determination and lack of ambiguity.

decide conclusively

Emphasizes the finality and lack of further debate in the decision.

reach a firm resolution

Focuses on resolving an issue with decisiveness.

settle definitively

Implies resolving a matter in a way that leaves no room for further contention.

FAQs

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

You can use "make definitive" when you want to express the act of establishing something as final or conclusive. For example, "The study didn't include enough data to make definitive recommendations."

What are some alternatives to "make definitive"?

Alternatives include "reach a definitive conclusion", "draw a firm conclusion", or "arrive at a conclusive decision" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "make definitive" or "reach definitive"?

"Make definitive" is the more common and grammatically correct phrasing. While "reach definitive" might be understood, it's not standard usage. Instead of "reach definitive", consider using "reach a definitive conclusion".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "make definitive"?

It's best to avoid "make definitive" when discussing preliminary findings or situations where uncertainty still exists. Using it in such contexts can create a false impression of certainty.