make explicit

USAGE SUMMARY

"make explicit" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to state or clarify something clearly and directly, without leaving any room for misunderstanding. Example: The teacher asked the students to make explicit the main themes of the novel in their essays.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The downtown office keeps irregular hours; make explicit pickup arrangements.

The New York Times - Travel

That would make explicit what is already happening by stealth.

The Economist

Salgado proposed forming a curriculum "to make explicit everything that Danny... intuitively knew".

The New York Times - Magazine

Manning's confessions to Lamo make explicit references to direct communications between him and WikiLeaks.

The New Yorker

As spring came, Nicholson was moved to make explicit Nala's imprint on him.

The Washington Post

A second effect was to make explicit the minimum, expected steps in complex processes.

The New Yorker

Isn't there perhaps something missing here, some consideration that he declines to make explicit?

The New York Times - Science

They make explicit demands and the ministers' responses to them are detailed and lengthy.

The Guardian

Identify and make explicit your company's mission, basic objectives, and policies.

Harvard Business Review

These sessions can make explicit the stages and challenges of forging a new identity.

Harvard Business Review

A small handful of companies make explicit commitments to that effect.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make explicit" when you want to ensure there is no ambiguity or misunderstanding in your communication. It's particularly useful in formal writing, instructions, or when conveying complex information.

Common error

Avoid using "make explicit" when the context already implies clarity. Overusing it can make your writing sound verbose. Choose simpler alternatives like "clarify" or "state" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "make explicit" is as a verb phrase. It acts as a directive to clarify or state something directly and unambiguously. Ludwig provides numerous examples across different domains that illustrate its use in conveying clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

42%

Academia

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make explicit" is a verb phrase used to indicate the act of clarifying or stating something directly and unambiguously. It is grammatically correct and very common in formal writing, especially in scientific, academic, and news contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and well-understood. While effective for ensuring clarity, it should be used judiciously to avoid redundancy. Alternative phrases include "clarify", "spell out", and "state explicitly". Its purpose is to eliminate ambiguity and promote clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state explicitly

This alternative uses the formal term 'state' emphasizing a declaration, maintaining a similar degree of directness.

make crystal clear

This alternative uses a more emphatic and vivid way to describe the act of clarifying something thoroughly.

spell out

This alternative conveys the idea of explaining something in a very detailed and direct manner, leaving no room for ambiguity.

express distinctly

This alternative highlights the clear and unambiguous communication of an idea.

specify precisely

This alternative focuses on providing exact and accurate details, reducing ambiguity.

articulate clearly

This alternative highlights the act of expressing something fluently and comprehensibly.

define sharply

This alternative suggests creating a clear and distinct boundary or understanding of something.

lay out in detail

This alternative suggests providing a comprehensive and thorough explanation of something.

clarify

This alternative is a single word that emphasizes making something easier to understand, but lacks the nuance of detailed expression.

put into words clearly

This alternative emphasizes the act of translating thoughts or ideas into understandable language.

FAQs

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

You can use "make explicit" to indicate that something should be clearly stated or defined. For instance, "The contract should "make explicit" the terms of payment".

What does "make explicit" mean?

"Make explicit" means to state something clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or ambiguity. It's about ensuring full understanding through clear communication.

What can I say instead of "make explicit"?

You can use alternatives like "clarify", "spell out", or "state explicitly" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "make explicit" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "make explicit" when you need to ensure that a specific point is understood without any ambiguity, such as in legal documents, technical manuals, or academic papers.