as you define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as you define" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone's specific definition or interpretation of a term or concept. Example: "The project will proceed according to the parameters you set, as you define them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

What is the distinction, as you define it, between emotion and feeling?

The New York Times - Magazine

Finding the right support system as you define your vision is vital to career success.

Harvard Business Review

We measure success by your ability to achieve success as you define it.

Stanford University

And in a way he was, so long as you define "a good drink and a long sit-down" as something good.

The Guardian - Sport

As long as you define "complaining" correctly – we're talking everyday petty moaning here, not agitating for social change – then of course complaining's bad.

The Guardian - Opinion

At the start, there's the excitement of all the possibilities; then as you define it, you crush all the life out of it.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Paul Michelman: OK, so your focus is on the player's performance, and that makes sense — but, of course, it takes two to tango for shirking to exist as you defined it in the paper.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Your second realization is to make up your own mind as to what you define as "useful".

WikiHow

It's so interesting as to how you define what we mean by violence in entertainment.

Los Angeles Times

"I don't know how you define that as inclusive".

The Guardian

What do you define as "musical trash"?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as you define" to explicitly acknowledge that a term or concept is being used with a personal or subjective understanding. This adds clarity and avoids misunderstandings in discussions or writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as you define" when a standard or widely accepted definition already exists. Overusing it can make your writing seem unnecessarily convoluted or imply disagreement where none exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as you define" functions as a qualifier, specifying that the meaning of a term or concept is dependent on the individual's personal understanding or interpretation. It acknowledges subjectivity and individual perspective, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as you define" is a useful phrase to indicate that you are using a definition specific to the person you are addressing. Ludwig's examples show it appearing frequently in news and media as well as academic writing. While considered grammatically correct, it's important to use this phrase judiciously and avoid unnecessary use in cases where a standard definition already exists. Knowing when and how to use "as you define" can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

According to your definition

Replaces "as" with "according to", emphasizing reliance on a pre-existing definition.

In your terms

Highlights the specific terminology or conditions someone is using.

In your interpretation

Focuses specifically on the act of interpreting something, rather than the act of defining.

By your standards

Emphasizes the personal criteria someone is using for evaluation.

Based on your understanding

Shifts the focus to understanding rather than a formal definition.

From your perspective

Highlights that the following information comes from a particular viewpoint.

As you see it

Presents a viewpoint or perspective, making it less formal than a definition.

As you consider it

Focuses on the act of considering, implying a thought process rather than a fixed definition.

How you would characterize it

Replaces the act of defining with the act of characterizing.

The way you delineate it

Emphasizes the boundaries or limits that the person is setting.

FAQs

How can I use "as you define" in a sentence?

Use "as you define" to indicate that the meaning of a term is specific to the individual being addressed. For example, "Success, "as you define" it, might be different from what society dictates."

What's a more formal alternative to "as you define"?

A more formal alternative could be "according to your definition" or "in your interpretation", which provide a similar meaning but are better suited for professional or academic contexts.

Is it always necessary to use "as you define"?

No, it's not always necessary. Use "as you define" when you want to acknowledge the subjective nature of a term or concept and clarify that you're referring to a specific individual's understanding of it.

What's the difference between "as you define it" and "as it is defined"?

"As you define it" refers to a personal definition, whereas "as it is defined" refers to a generally accepted or standard definition. The former emphasizes subjectivity, while the latter emphasizes objectivity.