not as explicit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not as explicit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the clarity or directness of two statements or pieces of information, indicating that one is less clear than the other. Example: "The second explanation was not as explicit as the first, leaving some questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's just that they're not as explicit.

The New York Times - Arts

Although they are not as explicit as they might be".

The Guardian

His music is full of sexual imagery and language, even when it's not as explicit as "Closer".

The New Yorker

"It's not as explicit as the churches would obviously like," said State Senator Bryan Taylor, a Republican.

The New York Times

In other cases, the publishing company doesn't know whether it even owns the work, since author contracts in the past were not as explicit as they are now.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We're not as explicit as Westerners in our expression of feelings in our music and dance," says the dancer Jennifer Yim.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

He said: "The refusal of photographs wasn't as explicit as is being indicated, in my view.

The Telegraph

Other Democrats on the committee weren't as explicit as Warren, but the thrust of the views they expressed was very similar to hers.

The New Yorker

When David Dinsmore took over as editor of the Sun almost 18 months ago, he defended page 3 by arguing that it wasn't as explicit as an art exhibition in the British Museum.

The Guardian

The reality is that the inequalities of the 21st century aren't as explicit as Jim Crow and the Ku Klux Klan, and the law does not sanction them -- which means there is no obvious fix.

Huffington Post

"In terms of language about sex and violence," says Jim Steinblatt of Ascap, "the gangsta-lifestyle music is still big, but as rap music has become more mainstream, the lyrics are not quite as explicit".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not as explicit", ensure you provide a clear point of comparison to understand what is being contrasted. For example, "The instructions were not as explicit as those provided last year."

Common error

Avoid using "not as explicit" without specifying what the subject is less explicit than. A sentence like "The message was not as explicit" lacks context and leaves the reader wondering what it's being compared to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as explicit" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to indicate that something is less direct, clear, or obvious than something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its versatility across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not as explicit" is a comparative phrase used to indicate that something is less direct or clear than something else. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable. It is commonly found in news and media, scientific writing, and formal business communication. When using this phrase, ensure a clear point of comparison is established to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "less direct" and "more subtle", each carrying nuanced implications. Remember to avoid using the phrase in contexts where the comparison is unclear, as it could confuse your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as straightforward

Stresses the complexity or indirectness.

less direct

Focuses on the straightforwardness of communication.

not as plainly stated

Highlights the directness of a statement.

less obvious

Highlights the apparentness or visibility of something.

not as clear-cut

Highlights the lack of definite or precise boundaries.

more implicit

Emphasizes the implied rather than expressly stated nature.

more subtle

Emphasizes the understated or delicate nature.

not as well-defined

Highlights the lack of clear definition or boundaries.

less pronounced

Focuses on the degree to which something is noticeable.

less overtly expressed

Focuses on the open or unconcealed manner of expression.

FAQs

How can I use "not as explicit" in a sentence?

Use "not as explicit" to compare the degree of clarity or directness between two things. For example, "The film's sequel was "not as explicit" in its political commentary as the original".

What is a synonym for "not as explicit"?

Synonyms for "not as explicit" include "less direct", "more subtle", or "less obvious". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to be explicit or "not as explicit" in writing?

Whether to be explicit or "not as explicit" depends on the purpose and audience. Explicit writing ensures clarity, while a more subtle approach can add nuance or intrigue, but risks being misunderstood.

What's the difference between "not as explicit" and implicit?

"Not as explicit" means something is less direct or clear compared to something else. Implicit means something is suggested or implied but not directly stated. Something that is implicit is definitely "not as explicit".