are defined by

USAGE SUMMARY

"are defined by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe how something is explained or described. You can use it when talking about the factors, characteristics, or qualities that determine or shape something. Example: The success of a business is often defined by its customer service and product quality.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Zines are defined by their materiality".

The New York Times - Books

Periodicals are defined by their tempo.

The Economist

Presidential races are defined by moments.

The New Yorker

Their desires are defined by that sign".

The New York Times - Food

"You are defined by this experience.

Independent

"Our lives are defined by politics.

The Guardian - Film

The Winstones are defined by strong women.

The Guardian - Film

Their lives are defined by their faith".

The New York Times

"Non-lethal are defined by their intent".

The New Yorker

Entire lives are defined by them, as Daum well knows.

The New York Times - Books

That few people are defined by a single culture.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are defined by", ensure that the defining characteristics are clearly and explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are defined by" with overly broad or subjective criteria. Instead, focus on specific, measurable attributes that provide a clear understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are defined by" serves as a linking verb construction that equates a subject with its defining attributes or characteristics. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are defined by" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express the essential attributes or determinants of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity in the defining characteristics to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like ""are characterized by"" or ""are determined by"" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. With a high expert rating, it remains a reliable and effective way to convey fundamental traits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are characterized by

Emphasizes the key attributes or features that distinguish something.

are determined by

Focuses on the factors that decide or control something's nature or outcome.

are distinguished by

Highlights the unique aspects that set something apart from others.

are shaped by

Suggests that something is influenced and molded by certain forces.

are governed by

Indicates that rules or principles dictate something's behavior or state.

are identified by

Focuses on the specific markers used to recognize something.

are based on

Highlights the foundation or principles upon which something is built.

hinge on

Implies that the outcome or nature of something depends critically on a particular factor.

depend on

Indicates that something's state or existence relies on other factors.

rest on

Similar to "depend on", but often implies a more fundamental reliance.

FAQs

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

You can use "are defined by" to describe the essential characteristics or factors that determine the nature of something. For example, "Successful projects are defined by clear goals and effective communication."

What are some alternatives to "are defined by"?

Alternatives include "are characterized by", "are determined by", and "are distinguished by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is defined by" instead of "are defined by"?

Yes, "is defined by" is correct when referring to a singular subject, while "are defined by" is used for plural subjects. For example, "A successful project is defined by clear goals" versus "Successful projects are defined by clear goals."

What's the difference between "are defined by" and "are outlined by"?

"Are defined by" suggests essential characteristics that determine the nature of something, whereas "are outlined by" implies a description of the main features or boundaries without necessarily defining its core nature.