a definition was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definition was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing or explaining a specific definition that existed or was provided in the past. Example: "In the context of our discussion, a definition was provided to clarify the term 'sustainability'."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

But to a visiting New Yorker, a definition was in order.

The New York Times

Typically a pithy, easily memorized aphoristic saying based on experience and universal in application, the mashal in its simplest and oldest form was a couplet in which a definition was given in two parallel lines related to each other either antithetically or synthetically.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These study-test-judgment trials continued until a definition was judged as correct three times.

Learning and Instruction

If a definition was present, it was extracted for further analysis.

Crime Science

A definition was provided that allows combining two unrelated words into a novel conceptual unit (e.g., milk taxi = a delivery service, which is directly dispatched from a farm).

Neuropsychologia

A definition was applied to each code and a code book was developed and used for refining the coding process (code dictionary available on request).

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But choosing a definition is much trickier.

The Economist

A definition is as convention-bound as a sonnet and usually more compact.

The New York Times - Magazine

For the purposes of this post, a "definition" isn't necessarily what you might find in the dictionary.

The Guardian

First, such a definition is query oriented.

Data Science and Engineering

Moreover, a definition is given to the lower and upper limits of the normalized ratio.

Engineering Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a definition was", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the definition and when. This adds clarity and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a definition was" without specifying the source or context of the definition. Otherwise, the reader may not understand which definition is being referred to, leading to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definition was" serves as a grammatical structure indicating that a specific definition existed or was provided in the past. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and widely used, particularly in academic and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a definition was" is grammatically sound and commonly used to refer to a definition that existed or was provided in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While the phrase is generally neutral to formal, it's crucial to specify the source or context of the definition to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "a definition existed" or "a definition was formulated" offer subtle variations in meaning. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively use this phrase to enhance clarity and precision in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a definition existed

Changes the verb to emphasize the state of being rather than the act of providing.

a definition had been provided

Adds emphasis to the action having been completed before a certain point in time.

a definition was formulated

Emphasizes the careful and structured process of creating the definition.

a definition was established

Highlights the act of setting up or creating a definition for future use or reference.

a definition was presented

Focuses on the act of offering or introducing a definition.

a definition was introduced

Suggests a definition being newly brought into use or discussion.

a definition was articulated

Implies that the definition was expressed clearly and in detail.

a definition was given

Uses a simpler verb to describe the act of providing a definition.

a definition was created

Highlights the act of bringing a definition into existence.

a definition was specified

Emphasizes that the definition was stated clearly and exactly.

FAQs

How can I use "a definition was" in a sentence?

Use "a definition was" when you want to indicate that a specific definition existed or was provided in the past. For example, "In the context of our discussion, a definition was provided to clarify the term 'sustainability'".

What are some alternatives to saying "a definition was"?

You can use alternatives like "a definition existed", "a definition had been provided", or "a definition was formulated" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a definition was given" or "a definition was provided"?

Both "a definition was given" and "a definition was provided" are correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. "Provided" can suggest a more formal or official context.

When should I use "a definition is" instead of "a definition was"?

Use "a definition is" when you are presenting a current or generally accepted definition. Use "a definition was" when referring to a definition that was given or existed in the past.