be defined to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “be defined to be” is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to define a particular concept, such as in the following example: “A good manager can be defined to be someone who is able to motivate their team and make sound decisions.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

For the kilogram, the constant chosen was Planck's constant, which would be defined to be equal to 6.6260693 × 10−34 joule second.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The refusal to be defined, to be silenced or hidden away, is terrifyingly subversive as it opens up new horizons and new avenues to self-knowledge and, ultimately, generates new centres of power.

The Guardian

Alternatively, the zero-color standard can be defined to be the mean of a number of unreddened A0 V stars of Pop I abundance, using the ensemble of Johnson-Morgan standards to fix the flux scale.

Harvard University

Moral restraint, in application to the present subject, may be defined to be, abstinence from marriage, either for a time or permanently, from prudential considerations, with a strictly moral conduct towards the sex in the interval.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Brownian motion process B t) can be defined to be the limit in a certain technical sense of the Bm(t) as δ → 0 and h → 0 with h2/δ → σ2.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More generally, a Hilbert space in the broad sense can be defined to be a (real or complex) vector space with an inner product that makes it complete, as well as determining a norm a notion of length subject to certain constraints.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Space is defined to be graphic.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Results are defined to be significant at p < 0.05.

Nature

The phase of zero is defined to be zero.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Culpable killings without malice were defined to be manslaughter.

Cornell University

Similarly, late start (LS) is defined to be LF t, where t is the job time.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be defined to be", ensure the definition is clear, concise, and relevant to the context. Avoid circular definitions that use the term itself in the explanation.

Common error

Avoid using jargon or overly technical language when defining a term for a general audience. Aim for simplicity and clarity to ensure the definition is easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be defined to be" functions as a defining expression, introducing a formal or precise explanation of a term or concept. Ludwig's examples confirm its use across various domains to establish clear meanings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

Academia

30%

News & Media

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be defined to be" serves as a crucial tool for clarity and precision in writing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a grammatically sound phrase frequently employed to introduce formal definitions across varied fields, including science, academia, and even news media. While it's perfectly acceptable to use, remember to keep the definition simple and clear, avoiding unnecessary jargon. Consider alternatives like "be considered to be" or "be known as" to accommodate various contexts and levels of formality. In essence, mastering the use of "be defined to be" enhances your ability to communicate complex ideas with accuracy and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be considered to be

Focuses on subjective perception or judgment rather than a formal definition.

be regarded as being

Similar to 'be considered to be' but may imply a more widespread or established view.

be known as

Highlights common recognition or naming conventions.

be characterized as

Emphasizes the key attributes or features that describe something.

be understood to be

Implies a shared or agreed-upon understanding.

be interpreted as being

Focuses on the act of interpreting or assigning meaning.

be deemed to be

Suggests a formal judgment or assessment.

be classified as

Highlights categorization or grouping based on shared characteristics.

be labeled as

Emphasizes the use of a specific term or label.

be recognized as being

Focuses on acknowledgment or acceptance of a particular quality or status.

FAQs

How can I use "be defined to be" in a sentence?

Use "be defined to be" when you want to provide a specific definition or explanation of a concept. For example, "A successful project can "be defined to be" one that meets its objectives within the given constraints."

What are some alternatives to "be defined to be"?

You can use alternatives like "be considered to be", "be regarded as", or "be known as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "be defined to be" when providing a definition?

No, you can often use simpler constructions like "is" or "means" when providing a definition, especially in less formal contexts. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

What's the difference between "be defined to be" and "be considered to be"?

"Be defined to be" implies a formal or established definition, while "be considered to be" suggests a more subjective or opinion-based assessment.