not explicitly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not explicitly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is implied or understood without being directly stated. Example: "The guidelines do not explicitly mention the deadline, but it is understood to be next Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not explicitly, anyway.

The New York Times - Arts

It did not explicitly say.

The New York Times

At least not explicitly.

The New York Times

These are not explicitly identified.

Cornell University

The book is never inspiring, not explicitly.

The New Yorker

Homosexuality is not explicitly outlawed in Egypt.

The New York Times

Not explicitly, unlike Mahler's earlier ones.

The New York Times - Arts

These block transitions were not explicitly signalled.

Nature

Why is "racist endeavour" not explicitly included?

The Guardian

Hungary is not explicitly a poor country.

The New York Times

Because the state's deposit guarantee is not explicitly stated it is not explicitly limited either.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not explicitly", ensure the context implies the unstated information clearly. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the intended meaning without direct explanation.

Common error

Avoid assuming readers will automatically grasp implicit meanings when using "not explicitly". If there's a risk of misinterpretation, consider adding a clarifying statement, even if it's not a direct explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not explicitly" functions as an adverbial modifier. It typically modifies verbs or adjectives, indicating a qualification or limitation to the action or description. This function is supported by the examples Ludwig provides, where the phrase adds nuance to statements without direct assertions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not explicitly" serves as a valuable tool for nuanced communication. According to Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating that something is implied rather than directly stated. This is widely used in news, science, and academic writing as well as in professional scenarios. While grammatically correct and commonly used, its effectiveness hinges on the context's ability to convey the intended meaning without direct assertion. Therefore, careful consideration is advised to avoid ambiguity. Always ensure your intended implication is obvious, even if it's "not explicitly" stated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not stated directly

This alternative focuses on the lack of a direct statement, emphasizing that the information is conveyed indirectly.

not expressly stated

Similar to "not stated directly", but uses "expressly" to highlight the absence of an overt declaration.

not directly mentioned

Emphasizes the absence of a direct mention, indicating the subject is alluded to but not clearly addressed.

implied but not stated

This option highlights the dichotomy between implication and explicit statement.

understood but not articulated

This alternative expands the concept to include understanding, but lacks formal articulation.

by implication

This focuses on the implication as the method of conveying the information.

implicitly

This single word contrasts with the two words of the QUERY. This alternative suggests something is understood without being openly expressed.

tacitly

Similar to "implicitly", suggesting an unspoken agreement or understanding.

left unsaid

This alternative captures the idea that something remained unuttered or unexpressed.

not put into words

Highlights the absence of verbalization, indicating the concept wasn't formally expressed through language.

FAQs

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

Use "not explicitly" to indicate something is implied or understood without being directly stated. For example, "The rules do "not explicitly" forbid it, but it's generally discouraged."

What are some alternatives to "not explicitly"?

Alternatives include "implicitly", "not directly mentioned", or "not expressly stated" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to be explicit or use "not explicitly"?

It depends on the context. Being explicit is clearer, but "not explicitly" can be useful when you want to avoid being overly direct or when the implication is already clear. The best choice depends on your audience and purpose.

What does it mean when something is "not explicitly" stated in a contract?

It means the contract does "not explicitly" cover the situation. Legal interpretation might be needed to determine if the contract implicitly addresses the issue.