to make explicit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make explicit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to make something clear or emphasize a point. For example: The professor asked the student to make explicit the reasons why she thought the outcome of the experiment would be different this time.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Salgado proposed forming a curriculum "to make explicit everything that Danny... intuitively knew".

The New York Times - Magazine

A second effect was to make explicit the minimum, expected steps in complex processes.

The New Yorker

Isn't there perhaps something missing here, some consideration that he declines to make explicit?

The New York Times - Science

As spring came, Nicholson was moved to make explicit Nala's imprint on him.

The Washington Post

Seigl's erudition allows Oates to make explicit reference to Greek religious concepts of hubris and nemesis.

The Guardian - Books

As a psychotherapist, however, I'd like to make explicit an emotional dimension he left implicit.

The New York Times - Arts

He wants to make explicit provision for cutting working-age welfare in the next parliament.

The Guardian - Opinion

History suffuses his campaign; there is no need to make explicit what is so evident.

The New York Times

To improve this sentence, the writer needs to make explicit what students resisted.

Stanford University

They also need to make explicit the assumptions they bring to the problem at hand.

Harvard University

Dyer doesn't need to make explicit the connection with Atman's lust for Laura and Aschenbach's gazing on the godlike Tadzio.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to make explicit" when you need to emphasize a point that might otherwise be overlooked or misunderstood. It's particularly useful when clarifying assumptions or intentions.

Common error

Avoid using "to make explicit" when a simpler phrase like "to clarify" or "to explain" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted. Always consider the context and choose the most appropriate level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make explicit" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. For example, "Analogies played a key role in the instructional module to make explicit function and structure of certain chaotic systems."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

36%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make explicit" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that serves to clarify or emphasize information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is particularly useful in academic, scientific, and professional contexts where precision is key. While alternatives like "to clarify" or "to spell out" may be suitable in some cases, "to make explicit" is the best choice when you need to ensure there is no room for misinterpretation. While this expression can be very useful, take care to use it in a way that best fits the register and complexity of the concept, and avoid overuse in informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to spell out

This alternative implies explaining something in a very direct and unambiguous way, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

to state clearly

This alternative emphasizes the act of expressing something without vagueness or ambiguity.

to clarify

This alternative focuses on removing ambiguity and making something easier to understand.

to express directly

This alternative emphasizes the lack of intermediaries or implicit meaning in the communication.

to specify

This alternative highlights the act of defining something precisely and in detail.

to articulate

This alternative highlights the expression of something in a coherent and understandable manner.

to lay out

This alternative suggests presenting something in a clear and organized manner.

to elucidate

This alternative suggests making something clear and comprehensible, often through detailed explanation.

to define

This alternative focuses on setting out the meaning of something precisely.

to bring to light

This alternative implies revealing or making something known that was previously unclear or hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "to make explicit" in a sentence?

You can use "to make explicit" to introduce a clarification or a detailed explanation. For instance, "The report aims "to make explicit" the assumptions underlying the economic forecast."

What are some alternatives to "to make explicit"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to clarify", "to specify", or "to spell out".

When is it appropriate to use "to make explicit" rather than "to clarify"?

"To make explicit" is best used when something is already implied but needs to be stated directly. "To clarify" is more general and applies when something is unclear or confusing. The distinction lies in whether something is unsaid but understood versus simply not understood.

Is "to make explicit" formal or informal?

"To make explicit" leans towards the formal side. In casual conversation, simpler phrases like "to explain" or "to be clear" might be more appropriate. However, in academic or professional writing, "to make explicit" is perfectly suitable.