are clearly defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are clearly defined" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that has specific and unambiguous parameters or characteristics. Example: "The roles and responsibilities of each team member are clearly defined to ensure smooth collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There are clearly defined areas of competence.

The Guardian

Make sure that your expectations and goals are clearly defined.

Cornell University

The major divisions of the order Caprimulgiformes are clearly defined.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As with the Cabot Learning Federation, this involves making sure accountabilities are clearly defined.

The Guardian

"Would you say there are clearly defined confines here?" the analyst said.

The New York Times

Catchment areas are clearly defined for the purpose of capturing water for the existing town.

Columbia University

In King's Landing the characters have deepened with each season; even smaller Night's Watch characters are clearly defined.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The great attraction of sport is that, unlike in everyday life, victories and losses are clearly defined.

The New York Times - Sports

The middle figure's features are clearly defined, and her reddish-blond hair flows down and back in undulant waves.

The New Yorker

Inter-relationships between wave components of the source and the receiving plates are clearly defined.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Just as international windows are clearly defined, so should rest periods be when the calendar changes in 2020.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are clearly defined", ensure that the context provides enough information for the reader to understand what exactly is being defined. Avoid vagueness by offering concrete examples or details.

Common error

Avoid using "are clearly defined" as a placeholder for actual clarity. If you state that something is clearly defined, make sure the definition is actually present and easily accessible to the reader. Don't leave the reader guessing what those definitions are.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are clearly defined" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject. Ludwig shows examples where it's used to describe concepts, roles, parameters, or features that have specific and unambiguous parameters or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are clearly defined" is a versatile expression used to convey that something is well-established, unambiguous, and easy to understand. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, ranging from scientific publications to news articles. Its high frequency and consistent application make it a reliable choice for expressing clarity and precision in writing. When utilizing this phrase, ensure that the context provides sufficient detail to support the claim of clarity, avoiding vagueness and leaving no room for reader confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are distinctly outlined

Focus shifts to the act of outlining, implying a more deliberate and visual demarcation.

are explicitly stated

Emphasizes the act of stating something directly and without ambiguity.

are precisely determined

Highlights the accuracy and exactness of the definition.

are unambiguously specified

Focuses on the lack of ambiguity in the specification.

are definitively established

Implies that the definition is not only clear but also firmly set and agreed upon.

are sharply delineated

Suggests a clear and distinct boundary or separation.

are unequivocally expressed

Emphasizes that the definition is expressed in a way that leaves no room for doubt.

are plainly articulated

Highlights the clarity and simplicity of the articulation.

are comprehensively detailed

Focuses on the completeness and thoroughness of the definition.

are accurately characterized

Highlights the truthfulness and correctness of the definition.

FAQs

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

You can use "are clearly defined" to indicate that certain parameters, roles, or concepts are well-established and understood. For example, "The project's objectives "are clearly defined", ensuring everyone is working towards the same goals."

What are some alternatives to "are clearly defined"?

Alternatives include phrases like "are distinctly outlined", "are explicitly stated", or "are precisely determined". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when something "is clearly defined"?

When something "is clearly defined", it means that its characteristics, boundaries, or purpose are established in a way that is easy to understand and leaves no room for ambiguity. The details are well-articulated and readily accessible.

Is it better to say "are well-defined" or "are clearly defined"?

Both "are well-defined" and ""are clearly defined"" are acceptable and often interchangeable. "Well-defined" might suggest a more technical or formal context, while ""are clearly defined"" implies ease of understanding.