not definitively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not definitively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating uncertainty or lack of a clear conclusion about a subject. Example: "The results of the experiment are not definitively conclusive, leaving room for further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not definitively.

The New York Times

All the deaths were not definitively linked.

The New York Times - Magazine

But it does not definitively explain the surge.

The Guardian

But it has not definitively found that Bergdahl deserted.

The Guardian - Film

Why this is so is not definitively known.

The New Yorker

The dispute was not definitively resolved until the 8th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is not definitively known who ordered his death.

Britannica

This is not definitively revealed until the sequence of digital photos over the final credits.

The Guardian - Film

Doctors and scientists have not definitively linked the dust to serious illnesses like cancer.

The New York Times

Even today, scientists do not definitively know which of these two forms is the stable form.

The New York Times - Science

Often enough, it's almost as if no one has decided, at least not definitively.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not definitively" when you want to express uncertainty or indicate that a conclusion is not fully supported by evidence. It's suitable for academic writing, journalism, and general communication where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "not definitively" when the evidence strongly suggests a conclusion, even if absolute certainty is unattainable. Overusing it can weaken your argument. Instead, consider using qualifiers like "probably" or "likely" if the evidence points in a certain direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not definitively" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or entire clauses to express a lack of certainty or conclusive evidence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. For example, "The results are not definitively conclusive."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not definitively" is a grammatically correct and versatile adverbial phrase used to express uncertainty or a lack of conclusive evidence. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and wide applicability. It's common in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, conveying a sense of caution and precision. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the level of uncertainty and avoid overstating the lack of evidence when some support exists. Alternatives like "inconclusively" or "not conclusively" can be used for conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconclusively

This single-word adverb directly replaces the phrase, offering a more concise alternative.

not conclusively

Replaces "definitively" with "conclusively", maintaining the negative and the implication of uncertainty.

not for certain

Uses a more informal expression to convey the same lack of definitive knowledge.

without definitive proof

Shifts the focus to the absence of proof, rather than the definitiveness of a statement.

not with certainty

Similar to "not for certain", but slightly more formal.

it's uncertain whether

Rephrases the statement to focus on the uncertainty itself.

it cannot be stated definitively

Uses a passive voice to emphasize the inability to make a definitive statement.

the evidence is not conclusive

Focuses on the inconclusive nature of the evidence.

there's no clear evidence

Emphasizes the lack of clear evidence supporting a claim.

it remains unproven

Highlights the lack of proof, suggesting that the matter is still open for investigation.

FAQs

How can I use "not definitively" in a sentence?

Use "not definitively" to express that something is uncertain or lacks conclusive proof. For example, "The study does "not definitively" prove the link between the two variables."

What are some alternatives to saying "not definitively"?

Alternatives include "inconclusively", "not conclusively", or "not for certain". Choose the best alternative based on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "not definitively" or "definitely not"?

The choice depends on the intended emphasis. "Not definitively" expresses uncertainty, whereas "definitely not" expresses a strong negation. For example, "The issue is "not definitively" resolved" suggests it might be resolved later, while "The issue is "definitely not" resolved" indicates a firm lack of resolution.

What's the difference between "not definitively" and "possibly"?

"Not definitively" indicates a lack of conclusive evidence, while "possibly" suggests a potential but uncertain outcome. "The treatment is "not definitively" effective" means its effectiveness hasn't been proven. "The treatment is "possibly" effective" suggests it might work, but there's no guarantee.