I have defined

USAGE SUMMARY

"I have defined" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that you have provided a precise explanation of something. For example, "I have defined the term 'cognitive bias' as the tendency to make decisions or draw conclusions based on a subjective opinion rather than objective fact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

From the start of this campaign, I have defined some sharp disagreements with the Clinton-Gore administration.

The New York Times

"From the start of this campaign I have defined some sharp differences with the Clinton-Gore administration," Mr. Bush said, a sleek Boeing 777 behind him.

The New York Times

Calculating the difference between the man's rating and the woman's rating the Gender Differential we see that this proposed union is not, in fact, a Samish-Sex Marriage, which I have defined as "any marriage for which the Gender Differential is less than or equal to 10 points".

The New Yorker

Calculating the difference between the man's rating and the woman's rating — the Gender Differential — we see that this proposed union is not, in fact, a Samish-Sex Marriage, which I have defined as "any marriage for which the Gender Differential is less than or equal to 10 points".

The New Yorker

So I have defined a simple UI.

TechCrunch

So when going fishing for these, I have defined certain pools that are more interesting than others in which to fish.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

For 25 years, I had defined myself as a publisher.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'd like to stress two things about the way I've defined Vodot.

The Guardian

(Where might there be clearer evidence for momentum, as I've defined it?

The New York Times

The older I've got the more I've defined my style and played more as a penalty-box player.

The Guardian - Sport

"It would have been more accurate if I had defined this item as 'maintenance' rather than gardening," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I have defined", ensure that the definition you are providing is clear, concise, and relevant to the context. This phrase is most effective when introducing a specific term or concept that is central to your argument or explanation.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "I have defined". This can make your writing sound repetitive and self-centered. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use synonyms or alternative phrasing to introduce definitions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have defined" functions as a declarative statement where the speaker or writer explicitly indicates that they have provided a specific definition for a term, concept, or idea. Ludwig provides several examples where the speaker clarifies their intended meaning, often in academic, professional or creative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I have defined" is a useful phrase to clarify the meaning of a term or concept, predominantly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to emphasize the act of providing a precise explanation. When using this phrase, ensure that your definition is clear, concise, and relevant to the context. While common, avoid overuse to maintain a varied writing style. Alternatives such as "I specified" or "I delineated" may be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I specified

Replaces "defined" with a more direct term, implying a clear and explicit statement.

I delineated

Substitutes "defined" with a more formal term, suggesting a precise and detailed description.

I clarified

Replaces "defined" focusing on making something easier to understand.

I established

Changes the verb to emphasize the act of setting a standard or rule.

I determined

Alters the verb to highlight the process of concluding or deciding something definitively.

I have laid out

Uses a phrasal verb to indicate a clear and organized presentation of information.

I set out

Replaces "defined" with a phrase that indicates an intention or goal.

I characterized

Substitute the verb with a focus on describing the characteristics of something.

I framed

Changes the verb to suggest presenting something in a particular way.

I explained

Emphasizes the act of making something understandable.

FAQs

How can I use "I have defined" in a sentence?

You can use "I have defined" to introduce a specific meaning or scope of a term within your writing. For example, "I have defined 'success' as achieving personal fulfillment alongside professional accomplishments."

What are some alternatives to "I have defined"?

Some alternatives include "I specified", "I delineated", or "I characterized", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to use "I have defined" or "I define"?

Both "I have defined" and "I define" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "I define" is used to express a definition at the moment of speaking or writing, while "I have defined" implies that the definition has been previously established or is part of a larger body of work.

When should I avoid using "I have defined"?

Avoid using "I have defined" when the definition is widely accepted or comes from a well-known source. In such cases, it is better to cite the source directly rather than presenting the definition as your own.