state categorically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state categorically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express something in a clear and definite manner, leaving no room for doubt or ambiguity. Example: "The scientist will state categorically that the results of the experiment support the hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ACOSTA: Can you state categorically— TRUMP: You are fake news.

The New Yorker

He was the first public official to state categorically that second-hand smoke causes cancer.

The New Yorker

QUESTION: Sir, can you state categorically that nobody -- no, Mr. President-elect, that's not appropriate.

The Washington Post

ACOSTA: Can you state categorically that nobody … Mr. President-elect, that is not appropriate.

The Washington Post

ACOSTA: Sir … Mr. President-elect, can you state categorically … Can you give us a question?

The Washington Post

I can state categorically that the subject of warrantless wiretaps of American citizens never came up.

The Washington Post

"I would like to state categorically: I did not give Mrs Naipaul an interview," she said in a statement.

Independent

The left is able to state categorically that Tuesday's terrorism was a dreadful act, irrespective of provenance.

The Guardian

"I want to state categorically that the club has full confidence in our coach and in our players," he added.

The Guardian - Sport

The results obtained indicate that one cannot state categorically that the participation of two professors significantly improves the development of all kinds of competencies.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

"Let me state categorically that our foreign policy is independent and decisions are informed by the national interest," Mr. Zuma said Thursday in a foreign policy address.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "state categorically" when you need to eliminate any doubt or ambiguity about a statement. It's particularly useful in formal contexts, legal documents, or when addressing misinformation.

Common error

Avoid using "state categorically" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase can sound overly formal or even pompous if used in inappropriate settings. Simpler, more direct language is often preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state categorically" functions as a performative verb phrase, indicating a clear and definite assertion. As demonstrated by examples found by Ludwig, it is used to remove any doubt regarding the veracity of a claim.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "state categorically" is a phrase used to express a clear and definite assertion, removing any room for doubt. It is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. According to Ludwig, this phrase functions as a performative verb phrase, with the communicative purpose of emphasizing certainty and conviction. While effective for clarity, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly formal in casual settings. Alternatives such as "assert unequivocally" or "declare definitively" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assert unequivocally

Emphasizes a firm and unambiguous declaration, removing any room for doubt.

declare definitively

Highlights the conclusive nature of the statement, leaving no possibility for further debate.

affirm with certainty

Focuses on the speaker's confidence and conviction in the truth of the statement.

pronounce unambiguously

Stresses the clarity and lack of ambiguity in the way the statement is made.

maintain firmly

Indicates a strong and unwavering adherence to the stated position.

attest without reservation

Implies a sworn or solemn declaration with complete conviction.

avow decisively

Suggests a forceful and resolute declaration of a belief or fact.

posit with assurance

Highlights the confident presentation of a claim or argument.

expressly declare

Focuses on the clear and explicit nature of the declaration.

put forward dogmatically

Emphasizes the assertive and inflexible manner in which the statement is presented.

FAQs

How can I use "state categorically" in a sentence?

The phrase "state categorically" is used to express something in a clear and definite manner, leaving no room for doubt. For example, "The witness will state categorically that the defendant was at the scene of the crime."

What are some alternatives to "state categorically"?

You can use alternatives like "assert unequivocally", "declare definitively", or "affirm with certainty" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to "state categorically" or "imply strongly"?

Whether to use "state categorically" or "imply strongly" depends on your intention. "State categorically" is used to make a clear and direct statement, whereas "imply strongly" suggests something without explicitly stating it. Choose the phrase that best aligns with your desired level of directness and clarity.

What is the difference between "state categorically" and "state bluntly"?

"State categorically" emphasizes the certainty and lack of ambiguity in a statement, while "state bluntly" focuses on the directness and potentially harshness of the statement. The former is about clarity, the latter is about directness, sometimes at the expense of tact.