make explicit something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make explicit something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or clearly state a particular idea or concept that may not be immediately obvious. Example: "In the report, I need to make explicit something that has been implied throughout the discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We were just trying to make explicit something people who've done couples therapy already know: You often feel confused, at odds with a least one of your patients, out of control".

The New York Times

It recalled the Frost Report Monty Python sketch starring John Cleese in which two bored airline pilots decide to rattle their passengers by announcing to the cabin, "There is absolutely no cause for alarm".Why would the Fed take the trouble to make explicit something that was already implicit in the statement?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

With this understanding of the elements that compose any socio-economic structure and their relations made explicit, something can now be said about the social and political philosophies that follow from it.

SEP

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

The New York Times - Science

Our task is to make explicit that the West stands for universal values, and those values are "something".

Forbes

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

The New York Times - Travel

All told, they make explicit predictions.

Forbes

We make explicit connections that can be accepted or rejected.

Forbes

The 1976 copyright act made statutorily explicit something that has always been part of the common law of copyright: the doctrine of fair use.

The New Yorker

The new medium of oil painting enables van Eyck to suspend a world as if in a glossy mirror — something he makes explicit in his Arnolfini Portrait by depicting a convex mirror at the back of the cool chamber, in which you can see tiny figures, one of whom is van Eyck.

The Guardian - Arts

While that may seem obvious, that's definitely not something that Nintendo has made explicit so far.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make explicit something" when you want to remove any ambiguity and ensure your audience understands a particular point clearly. This phrase is especially useful in formal writing or when dealing with complex topics.

Common error

Avoid using "make explicit something" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "clarify" or "explain" are often more appropriate in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make explicit something" functions as a verbal phrase used to denote the action of clarifying an idea or concept. It brings implicit or previously unstated information to the forefront, ensuring that it is clearly and unambiguously understood. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make explicit something" is a phrase used to ensure clarity by directly stating something that might otherwise be implied or misunderstood. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and provides real-world examples. Though the phrase is neutral to formal, it's more suitable for formal contexts where precision is important. Alternatives include "clarify something" or "make something clear". While grammatically sound, keep in mind, the phrase sees limited usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make something clear

Directly indicates the act of ensuring something is easily understood.

Clarify something

Focuses on making something easier to understand by removing ambiguity.

Express something explicitly

Similar, but emphasizes direct and unambiguous expression.

Specify something

Emphasizes providing precise details about something.

Articulate something

Highlights expressing something in a clear and coherent manner.

State something plainly

Focuses on expressing something in a straightforward and simple manner.

Define something

Focuses on providing a precise meaning or explanation of something.

Elucidate something

Implies making something clear by providing further explanation or insight.

Spell something out

Suggests explaining something in a very direct and simple way, often to avoid misunderstanding.

Lay something bare

Emphasizes uncovering something that was previously hidden or not obvious.

FAQs

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

You can use "make explicit something" to emphasize the clarification of a concept. For example, "The report aims to "make explicit something" that has been implied but not directly stated."

What are some alternatives to "make explicit something"?

Alternatives include "clarify something", "specify something", or "articulate something". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "make explicit something" or "make something clear"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "make something clear" is generally more common and versatile. "Make explicit something" is suitable when you want to emphasize that you are bringing something previously unsaid or implied to the forefront.

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

Use "make explicit something" in situations where clarity and precision are crucial, such as in legal documents, academic papers, or technical reports. It's also useful when you want to ensure there is no room for misinterpretation.