I define that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I define that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to specify or clarify the meaning of a term or concept in your writing. Example: "In this context, I define that as the process of evaluating the effectiveness of a marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I define that transition point as moving from presence as a goal to precision as a goal".

The New York Times

How do I define that?

Huffington Post

With the term "multiple resource use," in this study I define that juveniles and/or adults use more than two resources at each stage.

Plosone

For simplicity, I define that as one which can regularly fall by up to 50 per cent.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

That is, for x ∈ W | J i ¯, define that x ( t ) = { x ( t ), t i < t ≤ t i + 1, x ( t i + ), t = t i, and obviously W | J i ¯ is equicontinuous on J i ¯ due to the conditions (1) and (2).

Advances in Difference Equations

I would define that kind of fantasy as having viscerality.

The New York Times - Magazine

I take some issue with the rhetoric here, because I wouldn't define that as positive thinking at all.

Huffington Post

I wish he'd define that term.

Huffington Post

Nope, sooner or later, most women I know come to define that family as 1) a partner, and 2) a baby.

Huffington Post

How would he define that?

The Guardian

How do you define that?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I define that", ensure your definition is concise and directly relevant to the context of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I define that" to introduce definitions that are too broad or vague. The definition should be specific and contribute meaningfully to the discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I define that" primarily functions as a performative utterance, where the act of saying it constitutes the act of defining. As shown by Ludwig, it is used to explicitly state the speaker's personal understanding or interpretation of a term or concept.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I define that" is a useful construct for clarifying meaning and establishing a specific understanding of a term or concept, as validated by Ludwig. The AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability. It's most commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, indicating a preference for precision and clarity. When using this phrase, ensure your definition is concise, relevant, and not overly broad to avoid potential misunderstandings. Consider alternatives like "I would define that as" or "what I mean by that is" to add nuance. While the number of exact matches in Ludwig is limited, the usage patterns suggest a consistent application of the phrase in contexts requiring explicit definitions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What I mean by that is

Directly clarifies the intended meaning of a preceding statement or term.

I would define that as

Adds a conditional tone, suggesting a more tentative or subjective definition.

My definition of that is

Emphasizes the personal nature of the definition being provided.

When I say that, I mean

Shifts the focus to clarifying the intended meaning behind a statement.

By that, I understand

Highlights the speaker's comprehension or interpretation of a concept.

In my understanding, that is

Similar to 'by that, I understand', but more formal and explicit.

I interpret that to mean

Focuses on the act of interpretation and the resulting meaning.

As I see it, that is

Indicates a personal perspective or viewpoint on the matter.

For me, that signifies

Emphasizes the personal significance or implication of something.

My interpretation of that is

Highlights the subjective nature of the understanding being presented.

FAQs

How can I use "I define that" in a sentence?

Use "I define that" to introduce a specific meaning you are assigning to a term or concept. For example, "In this study, "I define that" as any action taken to reduce carbon emissions."

What are some alternatives to "I define that"?

Alternatives include "I would define that as", "my definition of that is", or "what I mean by that is", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "I define that" when introducing a definition?

No, it's not always necessary. Use "I define that" when you want to emphasize that the definition is specific to your work or interpretation. If you're using a standard definition, you can simply state the definition without explicitly framing it as your own.

When should I avoid using "I define that"?

Avoid using "I define that" if the definition you're providing is already widely accepted and unambiguous. It's best reserved for instances where clarification is needed or where you're introducing a novel or specific interpretation.