be defined by that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be defined by that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how someone or something is characterized or influenced by a particular factor or aspect. Example: "Her identity should not be defined by that single event in her past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But she doesn't want to be defined by that either.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You cannot be defined by that in the athletic world.

The New York Times - Sports

Success or failure would be defined by that," said Howard Wolfson, a senior adviser to Mr. Bloomberg.

The New York Times

There have been few more complete players, let alone fly-halves, but despite his all-round ability his career will always be defined by that drop goal.

The Guardian - Sport

My generation's history would be defined by that day, and I wanted to play a role in creating the historical record.

The New Yorker

Perhaps by selling it, Smith will find closure, though the reality is he and Carlos will forever be defined by that moment.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Their desires are defined by that sign".

The New York Times - Food

For me genius is defined by that irrationality; how can he talk like that?

The Guardian - Opinion

The suspension and brakes are also upgraded, but the IS-F is defined by that engine.

The New York Times

The format of the output file is defined by that of the input file.

Harvard University

There are 60 Lindsey Stones in the US and they're all being defined by that one photograph".

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be defined by that" to clearly indicate the primary factor or characteristic that identifies or determines something. For instance, "The success of the project will be defined by that single metric".

Common error

Avoid using "be defined by that" excessively in passive constructions, which can make your writing sound vague. Instead, consider rephrasing to use active voice for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "The company's reputation is be defined by that one incident", try "That one incident defines the company's reputation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be defined by that" serves as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a characteristic or defining aspect. It's used to specify the essential quality or feature that something is known for. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be defined by that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the primary characteristic or defining aspect of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct. It is particularly frequent in News & Media, Science, and Academia. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "be characterized by that" or "be determined by that" for nuance. Avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain writing clarity. "Be defined by that" is a versatile phrase suitable for various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be characterized by that

Focuses on the attributes or qualities that distinguish something.

be determined by that

Emphasizes the causal relationship where something is decided or influenced by a factor.

be shaped by that

Highlights the influence of something on the development or form of something else.

be identified by that

Stresses the recognition or association of something based on a particular feature.

be known for that

Indicates a common perception or reputation linked to a specific trait or action.

hinge on that

Suggests that something depends entirely on a particular factor.

revolve around that

Implies that something is centered or focused on a specific element.

be contingent on that

Highlights the conditional nature of something depending on a specific circumstance.

be dictated by that

Emphasizes that something is controlled or determined by a particular rule or condition.

owe its existence to that

Highlights that the reason of existence depends on a particular thing.

FAQs

What does "be defined by that" mean?

The phrase "be defined by that" means that something's key characteristics or essence are determined by a particular aspect. It implies that the defining feature or attribute of a subject can be attributed to a specific element or situation.

What can I say instead of "be defined by that"?

You can use alternatives like "be characterized by that", "be determined by that", or "be shaped by that" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "be defined by that" in a sentence?

You can use "be defined by that" to indicate the most important characteristic of something. For example, "A successful marketing campaign might be defined by that increase in sales", implying that sales are the most important measurement for success.

Is it better to say "is defined by that" or "is determined by that"?

Both "is defined by that" and "is determined by that" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Is defined by that" implies a descriptive characteristic, whereas "is determined by that" suggests a causal relationship. The best choice depends on the context.