stipulate

USAGE SUMMARY

"stipulate" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of setting out a condition, agreement, or statement. For example, "The contract stipulated that the payment was due at the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They could, for example, have tighter shorts," said Blatter, no doubt aware of regulations that stipulate a maximum size for the bikinis worn in beach volleyball.

The Guardian - Sport

Nobody knew when, or if, the protest would occur, but in August Beijing passed a reform framework to stipulate universal suffrage on its own terms – only two or three committee-vetted candidates who "love the country" would be allowed to run.

The Guardian

These include claiming there's no need for a deposit, which leaves tenants and guarantors liable for uncapped costs on leaving the property – all tenancies should stipulate a reasonable deposit.

The Guardian

As well as putting a limit on your spending, the card provider will stipulate a minimum monthly repayment you need to make.

The Guardian - Money

But, he says, switching to automatic mode would be a bad idea and illegal to boot.Traditional rules of engagement stipulate that a human must decide if a weapon is to be fired.

The Economist

The new regulations stipulate that "deserters" who left Cuba long ago can legally regain their right to live there.

The Economist

It works because its features, measured in nanometres (billionths of a metre), make it a "metamaterial", endowed with some weird and useful properties.According to the laws of quantum mechanics, a particle of light, called a photon, can take literally any possible path between source A and point B. Those same laws also stipulate that the quickest path is the most likely.

The Economist

There has also been talk of imposing minimum trade sizes, an idea strongly opposed by most investors since they can already stipulate a minimum when submitting orders.

The Economist

(FIS rules stipulate that only contests sanctioned by its member national associations count towards Olympic qualification; the top tour events do not meet this criterion).

The Economist

Other clauses stipulate that sentences handed down by Colombian courts are not to be exceeded by foreign ones, and that no penalty can be imposed for crimes committed before extradition became law.For all the American criticism of him, and in the face of widespread intimidation and corruption at home, President Samper has in fact taken significant steps against drug-trafficking.

The Economist

"The earlier periods are relatively more important than the later ones," he says.Nabi Samuel's fate is symptomatic of Area C the 60% of the occupied West Bank which the Oslo Agreement's interim accords in 1993 left under full Israeli control (although they did stipulate that tourist sites should be handed to the Palestinian Authority).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stipulate", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being required or specified as a condition. Clear context enhances the effectiveness of your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "stipulate" in everyday conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler synonyms like "require" or "specify" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stipulate" is as a verb. It is used to express the action of specifying or requiring something as a condition or agreement, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stipulate" functions as a verb used to formally express requirements or conditions, particularly in agreements or contracts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. While versatile, it is most appropriate for formal writing and professional contexts such as in news and formal business communications. To broaden your vocabulary, consider using synonyms like "specify" or "require", always keeping the context in mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specify

Focuses on detailing the particular conditions or requirements.

require

Emphasizes the necessity of meeting a certain condition.

lay down

Suggests establishing rules or conditions in a more authoritative manner.

set forth

Implies a formal presentation of rules, conditions, or facts.

designate

Indicates a specific naming or appointment within the terms.

prescribe

Emphasizes a rule or direction that must be followed precisely.

state explicitly

Highlights the clarity and directness of the condition or agreement.

make it a condition

Directly indicates establishing something as a prerequisite.

spell out

Focuses on making something very clear and detailed, leaving no room for ambiguity.

establish

Indicates a more permanent or foundational setting of terms or rules.

FAQs

How to use "stipulate" in a sentence?

Use "stipulate" when you want to express that something is required or specified as part of an agreement or contract. For example, "The contract "stipulated" that all payments must be made within 30 days."

What can I say instead of "stipulate"?

You can use alternatives like "specify", "require", or "lay down" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "stipulate" or "mandate"?

"Stipulate" implies a condition or requirement agreed upon, often in a contract. "Mandate" suggests an authoritative command or instruction. While similar, "mandate" is more forceful than "stipulate".

What's the difference between "stipulate" and "indicate"?

"Stipulate" means to demand or specify something as part of an agreement, while "indicate" means to point out or show. "Stipulate" is stronger and more formal than simply "indicate".