asked to define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asked to define" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a request for someone to provide a definition or explanation of a term or concept. Example: "During the meeting, she was asked to define the key terms related to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Hmmm," she says, when asked to define her style.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I am frequently asked to define a successful college.

The Guardian

Asked to define "fashion," though, she was momentarily stumped.

The New York Times

She was asked to define a New Yorker.

The New York Times

Widely considered an icon of cool, Mr. Coburn was once asked to define the term.

The New York Times - Arts

Asked to define style, John Gielgud said it was knowing what play you're in.

The New York Times - Books

When Rodriguez was asked to define M.V.P., he gave an intriguing response.

The New York Times - Sports

Asked to define that phrase, Thomas said: "Give it your all on every single play.

The New York Times - Sports

George VI's private secretary was asked to define her political philosophy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Asked to define his politics, he offers, "Pragmatic.

The Guardian

Another group was asked to define what is needed to open a bank account.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms such as "requested to explain" or "prompted to clarify" to avoid redundancy.

Common error

Avoid providing overly simplistic or circular definitions when using the phrase "asked to define". Ensure the definition offers genuine insight and clarifies the concept effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asked to define" functions as a passive construction indicating a request for a definition. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from academic discussions to journalistic reporting, confirming its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "asked to define" is a grammatically sound and widely employed expression used to indicate a request for a definition or explanation. Ludwig examples reveal its prevalence in diverse contexts, ranging from news reports and scientific papers to general discourse. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English. While alternatives like "requested to explain" or "prompted to clarify" exist, the specific choice often depends on the desired level of formality or nuance. Remember to be precise and clear in the definition provided, and consider the audience to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requested a definition of

More formal phrasing with a focus on obtaining a formal definition.

prompted to explain

Highlights the act of initiating an explanation, often in response to a question.

challenged to clarify

Suggests a situation where the explanation is difficult or complex.

called upon to elucidate

A formal way of asking for a detailed explanation or clarification.

required to specify

Indicates a need for precise details or conditions.

tasked with outlining

Implies a broader explanation, focusing on the main points or structure.

invited to elaborate on

Suggests a more open and less demanding request for further details.

pressured to detail

Indicates a situation where someone is urged to provide specific information.

sought an interpretation of

Focuses on understanding the meaning or significance of something.

given the task of explaining

Highlights the assignment or responsibility of providing an explanation.

FAQs

How can I use "asked to define" in a sentence?

Use "asked to define" when you want to express that someone was requested to provide a definition for something. For example, "The expert was "asked to define" quantum physics for the audience".

What are some alternatives to "asked to define"?

You can use alternatives such as "requested to explain", "prompted to clarify", or "challenged to elucidate" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "asked to define" or "requested to define"?

Both "asked to define" and "requested to define" are correct. "Requested" is generally considered more formal than "asked".

What is the difference between "asked to define" and "told to define"?

"Asked to define" implies a request, while "told to define" implies an instruction or command. The choice depends on the nature of the interaction between the parties involved.