as a term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a term" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when defining or explaining a specific word or phrase within a particular context. Example: "The word 'sustainability' is often used as a term to describe practices that do not deplete resources for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Perinatal depression is misleading as a term.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Civilisation as a term suggests human agency.

The Guardian - Tech

She served as a term trustee from 2008 to 2012.

Princeton University

People used Bennite as a term of abuse.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's one of the problems with "exit", as a term.

The Guardian

"We use it as a term of endearment," says Blonde.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Date rape didn't even exist as a term yet.

Huffington Post

873. As a term of endearment, pearl, treasure: Tiberinum margaritum, said of Mæcenas, Aug. ap.

Harvard University

The first is the year the "Internet of Things" was coined as a

Huffington Post

(Among Carson's fans, his honorific often serves as a term of affection).

The New Yorker

"Let's face it, nobody uses the word as a term of praise.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a term" when you want to introduce or clarify the meaning of a specific word or phrase within a particular field or context. For instance, when writing for a specialized audience, ensure clarity by defining jargon using "as a term".

Common error

Avoid using "as a term" excessively in casual writing. It can sound overly formal or redundant when simpler alternatives like "meaning" or "called" would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a term" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a definition, explanation, or specific usage of a word or concept. It's commonly used to clarify meaning, especially in academic or technical contexts, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

34%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a term" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to introduce or clarify the meaning of specific words or concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to provide clarity, particularly in formal writing such as news articles and academic papers. While it's a valuable tool for defining terminology, avoid overuse in informal contexts where simpler alternatives may be more suitable. Understanding its proper application, as demonstrated by a wide array of examples, will enhance precision and effectiveness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defined as

Offers a more direct and concise definition.

referred to as

Highlights the act of naming or designating something with the term.

in the context of

Emphasizes the specific situation or field where the term is relevant.

understood as

Focuses on the interpretation or common understanding of the term.

when used to describe

Focuses on the act of using the term for descriptive purposes.

when referring to

Specifies the subject or object that the term relates to.

by definition

Emphasizes that the explanation is a standard or accepted meaning.

considered to be

Implies a degree of subjective judgment or consensus.

in its definition

Highlights the essential attributes described.

for the purpose of

Explains the reason the term is used.

FAQs

How can I use "as a term" in a sentence?

You can use "as a term" to introduce the definition or explanation of a word or phrase. For example, "'Sustainability' is often used "as a term" to describe practices that do not deplete resources for future generations."

What are some alternatives to "as a term"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in the context of", "when used to describe", or "defined as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "as a term" when defining a word?

No, it is not always necessary. Simpler constructions like "meaning" or "called" can often be used, especially in informal contexts. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the complexity of the definition.

How does the formality of writing affect the use of "as a term"?

In formal or academic writing, "as a term" is appropriate for clearly defining concepts. However, in more informal writing, it might come across as stilted, and simpler alternatives are preferable.