a year defined by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a year defined by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the significant characteristics or events that characterize a particular year. Example: "2020 was a year defined by the global pandemic and widespread social change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

2018: A year defined by a PhD | A study, analyses, and a writing spree.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If 2012 was the year of bedroom artists, then 2013 is a year defined by living-room artists.

The Guardian - Music

In a year defined by loss, Sullivan looks around the city he once governed and sees the Olympic-related gains.

The New York Times - Sports

In a year defined by change, in a season worthy of defensive rookie of the year consideration, two constants serve as guides for Revis.

The New York Times - Sports

2012 should be a year defined by ideas that leap out and command attention – remarkable works that people want to share.

The Guardian

In a year defined by violence and civil unrest, it wouldn't be surprising to learn that Benson has a more powerful agenda than being helpful.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

In an election year defined by a hyper-productive, culturally influential television industry, candidate and party messaging have taken on the cues and codes of the wider TV landscape.

Huffington Post

"Last year was by any measure a challenging year – defined by unprecedented volatility and unpredictability," said Glenn Tilton Glenn Tilton, United's chairman.

Forbes

As you create your business roadmap, here are three key concepts that can help you to lay the foundation for a transformative year defined by growth, achievement, and personal satisfaction.

Forbes

It's absurd". In a campaign year defined by the upending of political norms, this may feel like just another Trumpian triumph over tradition.

Los Angeles Times

In a campaign year defined by the upending of political norms, this may feel like just another Trumpian triumph over tradition.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a year defined by", ensure that the defining characteristic or event is clearly stated and relevant to the context. This helps create a strong and meaningful statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a year defined by" for trivial or insignificant events. The defining characteristic should be substantial and impactful to warrant such a description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a year defined by" functions as an introductory phrase used to characterize a specific year based on its most prominent or impactful event or characteristic. Ludwig's examples show it setting the stage for a discussion of the year's key features.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a year defined by" is a grammatically correct and common phrase used to introduce the defining characteristic or event of a particular year. According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Academic, and Science contexts, indicating its broad applicability. It is best practice to use this phrase when you want to clearly and concisely convey the most impactful aspect of a year, avoiding overgeneralization for trivial events. Alternatives such as "a year marked by" or "a year characterized by" can be used to add nuance. Therefore, mastering the use of the expression "a year defined by" can help for writing clear and effective prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a year marked by

Focuses on the events that left a mark on the year, implying significant impact.

a year characterized by

Highlights the distinct characteristics that were prominent during the year.

a year dominated by

Suggests that certain events or trends had a controlling influence throughout the year.

a year remembered for

Emphasizes the key events or features for which the year will be recalled.

a year known for

Indicates that the year gained recognition due to specific happenings or attributes.

a year notable for

Draws attention to the significant and noteworthy aspects of the year.

a year distinguished by

Highlights the features that made the year different or stand out from others.

a year highlighted by

Focuses on the most important or conspicuous events of the year.

a year overshadowed by

Implies that certain events cast a shadow or had a negative impact on the year.

a year synonymous with

Suggests that the year became strongly associated with certain events or concepts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a year defined by" to introduce the most significant or impactful characteristic or event of that year. For example, "2020 was "a year defined by the pandemic"".

What are some alternatives to using "a year defined by"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a year marked by", "a year characterized by", or "a year dominated by", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a year defined by" in formal writing?

Yes, "a year defined by" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, including news, academic papers, and business reports.

What makes "a year defined by" different from "a year with"?

"A year defined by" suggests that a particular event or characteristic was central and dominant throughout the year, while "a year with" simply indicates the presence of something during that year without implying dominance or centrality. For example, "a year defined by economic turmoil" suggests the economy was the defining factor, whereas "a year with economic challenges" simply acknowledges economic difficulties.