to put it explicitly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to put it explicitly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to clarify or emphasize a point in a clear and direct manner. Example: "To put it explicitly, we need to increase our budget if we want to expand our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

To put it explicitly, these mutations must represent a subset of all possible mutations that could possibly occur and the subset is shaped by the history of the genome, which is a selective one.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is important because it means that any information users put in, they explicitly want to put it.

TechCrunch

But Germany's price will be a rescue in which it will be explicitly seeking to put its own interests above all others.

The Economist

As he put it himself, explicitly, John Fogerty wrote songs for everyone.

The New Yorker

Cucumber, Banana and Tofu were named after categories of hard-on and were, as the Guardian's Sam Wollaston put it, "gloriously, explicitly, triumphantly, cucumberly" gay.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They put it as a problem to explicitly determine this dimension.

Journal of Combinatorial Theory, Series A

As Reid Ross puts it, "they explicitly present themselves as preservers and defenders of the white race in spiritual terms".

The Guardian - Opinion

In Felton, some users explicitly separated conservation from the complaints they had about the company; as one put it, "we need to conserve in California" (#527).

Environmental Management

Mr. Stern said he wanted these matters addressed explicitly and not, as he put it, "at the 50,000-foot level".

The New York Times - Science

He declared explicitly that his administration would use force — a "military component," as he put it — only as a last resort to prevent Tehran from acquiring a bomb.

The New York Times

' We are now explicitly allowed to give attention, to sit next to the bed and hold a hand', a nurses' aide has put it.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to put it explicitly" when you want to remove any ambiguity from your statement and ensure your audience understands your exact meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "to put it explicitly" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or even condescending. Simpler phrases might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to put it explicitly" functions as a discourse marker. It signals that the speaker or writer intends to express something in a clear, direct, and unambiguous manner. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to emphasize or clarify a point, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to put it explicitly" serves as a discourse marker to introduce a clear and direct statement, ensuring no ambiguity. Ludwig's analysis indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and mostly used in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in science and news media. While effective for clarity, it may sound overly formal in casual settings. Alternatives like "to state it plainly" or "to say it directly" might be more suitable for informal communication. Ensure the level of explicitness matches the context to avoid sounding condescending.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to state it plainly

Focuses on clarity and simplicity in expression.

to say it directly

Emphasizes the directness of the statement.

to express it clearly

Highlights the clarity of the expression.

in simpler terms

Indicates a simplification for better understanding.

to be more specific

Indicates move to a more detailed level of explicitness.

to clarify the matter

Suggests the need for better clarification.

in plain language

Implies the removal of technical or complex jargon.

to spell it out

Conveys making something extremely clear and obvious.

to put it in black and white

Focuses on the unambiguity and finality of a written document.

for the sake of clarity

Highlights the intention to avoid ambiguity.

FAQs

What does "to put it explicitly" mean?

It means to express something in a very clear and direct way, leaving no room for misunderstanding. It's used to emphasize a point or to clarify something that might be confusing.

When is it appropriate to use "to put it explicitly" in writing?

It's appropriate in situations where clarity is crucial, such as in formal reports, legal documents, or academic papers. It ensures the reader understands the exact meaning without ambiguity.

Are there alternatives to "to put it explicitly"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "to state it plainly", "to say it directly", or "to express it clearly" depending on the specific context.

Is "to put it explicitly" formal or informal?

It tends to be more formal. While it's grammatically correct, it might sound out of place in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives might be preferable in informal settings.