What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
explicitly
Example
The rules were explicitly stated at the beginning of the game. [explicitly: adverb]
Example
She explicitly told him not to touch anything in the room. [explicitly: adverb]
clearly
Example
The teacher explained the concept clearly to the students. [clearly: adverb]
Example
He spoke clearly so that everyone could hear him. [clearly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clearly is more commonly used than explicitly in everyday language. Clearly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while explicitly is less common and is typically used in more formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between explicitly and clearly?
Explicitly is more formal than clearly, which is more commonly used in everyday language. Therefore, explicitly is more appropriate for formal writing or professional settings, while clearly can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
