a defined group

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a defined group" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific set of individuals or entities that have been clearly identified or categorized. Example: "In our study, we focused on a defined group of participants who met the specific criteria for inclusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They fired on a defined group within the prison population".

The New York Times

But he left open the possibility that the city could require all restaurants, or a defined group of restaurants, to post the calorie information.

The New York Times

If a defined group of people is being killed at such a rate by another defined group, then normally we would take action.

The Guardian - Opinion

Aside from its nervous energy, the 17-year-old sextet, fronted by Deborah Harry since the mid-90's, also has a defined group sound.

The New York Times

Representative research makes sure that what you're measuring recognisably reflects a defined group – whether a given profession, type of voter, area of a country, or the whole of society.

The Guardian

They also vest it in the canvassing board, and the canvassing board is composed of a certain -- a defined group of officials: a county judge, the elections supervisor, the chairman of the county commission.

The New York Times

Cohort studies are observational studies in which a defined group of people (the cohort) is followed over time and outcomes are compared for individuals who were exposed or not exposed to a factor at different levels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sweeping law, enacted in 2010 and upheld by the Supreme Court this summer, encourages the creation of "accountable care organizations" — networks of hospitals, doctors groups and other health care providers that collaborate to keep a defined group of patients healthier.

The New York Times - Health

Private certificates are usually confined to a defined group like a company or organization, but up until now it has been rather complex to create them.

TechCrunch

Social networks have similar complexity issues, but they only usually need to route a message to a single user (or at the most to a defined group).

TechCrunch

Unlike Anonymous, which is a loosely organised collective of hackers and hacking advocates, Lulzsec was a defined group with its own specifically recruited members.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a defined group", ensure the criteria for inclusion in the group are explicitly stated and understood by your audience. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone understands the definition of your "defined group". Always provide context or specific criteria to prevent misinterpretations. For example, instead of saying 'we surveyed a defined group', specify 'we surveyed a defined group of registered voters aged 18-35'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a defined group" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It refers to a particular collection of individuals or entities that have been identified based on specific criteria. As Ludwig's Examples showcase, this phrase is used in various fields to denote specificity and clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a defined group" is a versatile phrase used to denote a specific collection of individuals or entities with clearly identified characteristics. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. While the phrase is commonly used, it's important to ensure that the criteria for inclusion in the group are explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "a specific group" or "a designated group" can be used for variety, but clarity should always be prioritized. Overall, it's a useful and reliable phrase to specify subsets of a larger population.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clearly defined group

Adds emphasis to the "defined" aspect, making it explicitly clear that the group has precise boundaries.

a specific group

Replaces "defined" with "specific", indicating a particular and clearly identified group.

a particular group

Uses "particular" instead of "defined", suggesting a distinct and noteworthy group.

an identified group

Focuses on the act of identification, implying the group has been recognized and labeled.

a designated group

Substitutes "defined" with "designated", implying the group was officially chosen or appointed.

a select group

Replaces "defined" with "select", indicating a carefully chosen and often exclusive group.

a categorized group

Highlights that the group is the result of a classification process.

a discrete group

Uses "discrete" instead of "defined", emphasizing the separateness and distinctness of the group.

a limited group

Implies that the group's size or scope is restricted in some way.

a set group

Suggests that the group has been established or fixed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a defined group" to refer to a specific set of individuals or items with clearly identified characteristics. For example, "The study focused on a defined group of patients with type 2 diabetes".

What are some alternatives to saying "a defined group"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific group", "a particular group", or "a designated group" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify the characteristics of "a defined group"?

Yes, it's crucial for clarity. Not specifying the characteristics can lead to ambiguity. Always aim to clarify who or what constitutes the "defined group" in your writing.

What is the difference between "a defined group" and "the general population"?

"A defined group" refers to a specific, limited set of individuals or items, while "the general population" refers to all individuals in a particular area or category. "A defined group" has specific inclusion criteria that excludes other people while the "general population" does not.