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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
be defined through
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "be defined through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how something is characterized or explained by certain criteria or parameters. Example: "The success of the project can be defined through its impact on the community and the feedback from participants."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
The characters can also be defined through their relationships.
News & Media
Forget "readability"; excellence this year will be defined through language and imagination.
News & Media
That is absurd: the national interest has to be defined through democratic debate.
News & Media
Eustice said no matter what trade arrangement was struck, Britain's stewardship of nature would continue to be defined through the Bern Convention.
News & Media
Dr. Haupt of Merck said that the "durability of immunity" would ultimately be defined through widespread use of the vaccine, but that the company's research strongly suggested that immunity would be long lasting — far more than five years.
News & Media
Thus, the relationship of magnitude among perceptual quality values can be defined through the rating scale.
The minimum similarity threshold can be defined through the ELN interfaces (Fig. 11).
Science
There appears to be a logic to the world that can be defined through language.
Let { x n } be defined through the iterative process ( M n ).
Hence, the second-order discrete derivative can be defined through the centered form expression (12).
The relative weight of each factor can be defined through opinions by a panel of experts.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "be defined through" when you want to emphasize that specific criteria or parameters are crucial for understanding or characterizing a concept.
Common error
While "be defined through" is grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider active voice alternatives where appropriate for a more direct and impactful style.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "be defined through" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating how something is characterized or understood. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.
Frequent in
Science
54%
News & Media
44%
Wiki
2%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "be defined through" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, primarily functioning to characterize something by specific criteria or parameters. It is particularly common in scientific and news contexts, indicating a formal register. When writing, use it to emphasize the crucial factors for understanding a concept. While acceptable, avoid overusing the passive voice for clearer communication. Several alternatives, like "be characterized by" or "be determined by", can provide nuanced alternatives.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
be characterized by
Focuses on the attributes or qualities that distinguish something.
be determined by
Emphasizes the factors that decide or control something.
be shaped by
Highlights the influence that molds something's form or nature.
be established via
Specifies the method or means by which something is confirmed or created.
be expressed through
Focuses on how something is communicated or shown.
be governed by
Indicates the rules or principles that control something.
be identified by
Highlights the features that allow something to be recognized or distinguished.
be constituted of
Focuses on the components that make up something.
be understood via
Specifies that comprehension is achieved using a particular method or pathway.
be mediated through
Highlights the intermediary or channel through which something occurs.
FAQs
How can I use "be defined through" in a sentence?
Use "be defined through" to explain how specific criteria or methods characterize a concept. For instance, "Success can "be defined through" consistent effort and positive results."
What are some alternatives to "be defined through"?
Alternatives include "be characterized by", "be determined by", or "be shaped by", depending on the nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be defined through"?
While "be defined through" is in the passive voice and grammatically correct, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct. For example, instead of "The project can "be defined through" its outcomes", you could say "We define the project through its outcomes."
What is the difference between "be defined through" and "be expressed through"?
"Be defined through" means something is characterized or understood by certain criteria. "Be expressed through" means something is communicated or shown by a particular medium or method. The choice depends on whether you are describing the nature of something or how it is conveyed.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested