very definite

USAGE SUMMARY

'very definite' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something is unmistakably certain. For example: "I have a very definite feeling that something isn't quite right here."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Lifestyle

Books

Music

Business

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"A very definite place".

The New Yorker

"They were very definite.

The New Yorker

It has its own very definite purpose.

The New York Times

Welles has no very definite political sympathies.

The New Yorker

"There are very definite side effects.

The New York Times

There is something very definite about her tone.

The New Yorker

There is nothing very definite about these cultural arbiters.

The New York Times - Books

The answer is a very definite yes, and no.

The Guardian

She has a very definite sense of herself".

The New York Times

The answer to that question is a very definite maybe.

The Guardian - Opinion

And they had very definite thoughts about the Nazis' secret weapon.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very definite" to clearly express a strong sense of certainty or clarity, ensuring your message leaves no room for ambiguity. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing decisions, opinions, or boundaries.

Common error

Avoid using "very definite" excessively in casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "really clear" or "totally sure" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very definite" primarily functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective or noun. It amplifies the certainty or clarity of the attribute being described. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

10%

Lifestyle

7%

Less common in

Music

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very definite" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize certainty or clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While appropriate for both formal and informal communication, it's particularly effective in news, media, and professional settings. To ensure clear and impactful writing, use it to eliminate ambiguity and reinforce the strength of your statements. Be mindful of overusing it in casual conversations where more relaxed alternatives might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly certain

Emphasizes the high degree of certainty associated with something.

absolutely clear

Focuses on the lack of ambiguity or doubt.

unquestionably sure

Highlights the absence of any reason to question something.

completely assured

Stresses a feeling of confidence and certainty.

distinctly defined

Emphasizes the clarity and precision of a definition or boundary.

patently obvious

Highlights the easily observable or evident nature of something.

unequivocally explicit

Focuses on the direct and unambiguous expression of something.

remarkably precise

Emphasizes the accuracy and attention to detail.

strikingly apparent

Highlights something that is easily noticeable and understood.

emphatically certain

Stresses the forcefulness and conviction behind a statement.

FAQs

How can I use "very definite" in a sentence?

You can use "very definite" to emphasize certainty or clarity. For example, "She had a "very definite" opinion on the matter" or "There's a "very definite" possibility of rain tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to "very definite"?

Some alternatives include "highly certain", "absolutely clear", or "distinctly defined". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "definite" or "very definite"?

While "definite" alone conveys certainty, adding "very" intensifies the level of certainty or clarity. Use "very definite" when you want to strongly emphasize something.

What is the difference between "very definite" and "quite definite"?

"Very definite" and "quite definite" are similar, but "very definite" typically implies a stronger degree of certainty than "quite definite". "Very" adds more emphasis.