a defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been clearly specified or established. Example: "In our project, we need to work with a defined set of parameters to ensure consistency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Nude is a defined colour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Wreckage is scattered in a defined area.

The New York Times

He doesn't have a defined role.

The New York Times - Sports

Each individual occupies a defined spot.

Nature

Gold was in a defined downtrend.

The Washington Post

Each man had a defined role.

The Guardian

"So the university must be a defined space.

The New York Times - Magazine

The successful schools also have a defined space.

The New York Times

"We need a defined consequence for misleading parliament.

The Guardian

(A defined benefit pension promises a specific income).

The Guardian

The Knicks now appear to have a defined identity.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a defined", ensure the context makes clear what entity or process is doing the defining, as clarity is paramount for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "a defined" in contexts where the actor or definer is obscured, which can weaken the sentence. Instead, specify who or what is doing the defining to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defined" typically functions as an adjective modifying a noun. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates that the noun it modifies has been clearly specified or established. Examples show its use across varied contexts, emphasizing clarity and precision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a defined" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate clarity and specificity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While it maintains a neutral register, it's especially common in formal and professional settings, where precision is valued. When writing, ensure the defining agent is clear and consider using alternatives like "specified" or "clear" depending on the desired nuance. Its widespread use and clear function make it a reliable choice in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specified

Implies a more explicit and detailed level of determination compared to "a defined".

a clear

Suggests ease of understanding and lack of ambiguity, focusing on clarity rather than strict definition.

a precise

Highlights accuracy and exactness, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

an established

Emphasizes that something has been recognized or accepted over time.

a set

Indicates a pre-determined or fixed collection or group of items.

a fixed

Suggests immutability or resistance to change.

a distinct

Highlights the unique and easily distinguishable nature of something.

a particular

Refers to a specific instance or item within a larger category.

a delineated

Implies a clear boundary or demarcation, often used in geographical or abstract contexts.

a designated

Suggests that something has been officially or formally assigned.

FAQs

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

You can use "a defined" to describe something with clear boundaries or characteristics. For example, "The project requires "a defined scope" to prevent scope creep."

What are some alternatives to "a defined"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "a defined" with "a specified", "a clear", or "a precise". Choose the alternative that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a defined role" or "a well-defined role"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a well-defined role" emphasizes the clarity and thoroughness of the definition. The choice depends on how much emphasis you want to place on the clarity of the role.

What's the difference between "a defined benefit" and "a defined contribution"?

These terms are commonly used in finance to describe different types of retirement plans. "A defined benefit" plan guarantees a specific payout amount upon retirement, while "a defined contribution" plan's payout depends on the investment performance of contributions.