can be defined

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be defined" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used in the passive voice to describe the ability for someone or something to be defined or described in a certain way. Example: "Beauty can be defined in many different ways, depending on one's personal perspective."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What can be defined?

University of California, Berkeley

Arbitrary networks can be defined symbolically.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

A drought can be defined in various ways.

The Guardian

Fiction can be defined as a coherent tissue of lies.

The New York Times - Books

I often consider how our team's successes can be defined.

The Guardian

But: "Democratic" can be defined in different ways.

The Guardian

Hysteria can be defined as ungovernable emotional excess.

The Guardian - Opinion

Student engagement can be defined in many ways.

Harvard University

So, derived terms can be defined, incorporated and judged accordingly.

Measurement

Consequently, a degree of apparent conversion (DAC) can be defined.

Polymer

Then selectivity constants gA and gB can be defined.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be defined", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is doing the defining or what criteria are being used. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "can be defined" without providing a clear definition or reference point. A vague statement diminishes the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be defined" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating the possibility or permissibility of something being defined. It's frequently used to introduce definitions or alternative interpretations, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

28%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be defined" is a versatile phrase used to introduce definitions or explore possible interpretations of a concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, ranging from academic and scientific writing to news and general discussions. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse audiences. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing a specific definition or reference point. Consider related phrases like "may be defined" or "is definable as" for nuanced expression. The frequency of use in Science, News & Media and Academia highlights its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be defined

Replaces "can" with "may", suggesting possibility rather than ability.

could be defined

Substitutes "can" with "could", indicating a conditional or hypothetical definition.

is definable as

Changes the structure to emphasize the quality of being definable.

is amenable to definition

Highlights the characteristic of being easily defined.

lends itself to definition

Indicates that something naturally allows for a definition.

is subject to definition

Emphasizes that something is under the domain of a definition.

admits of a definition

Uses more formal language to suggest a definition is possible.

is susceptible to definition

Indicates that something is open to interpretation through definition.

allows for a definition

Focuses on the permissibility of creating a definition.

is open to definition

Suggests that something is receptive to being defined.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be defined" to introduce a definition or explain how something is understood. For example, "Success "can be defined" in many ways, depending on your personal goals."

What are some alternatives to "can be defined"?

Alternatives include "may be defined", "is definable as", or "is subject to definition", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use an active or passive voice with "can be defined"?

Using the passive voice with "can be defined" is often appropriate when the definer is unknown or unimportant. However, using the active voice, such as "we can define it", is more direct when you want to specify the actor.

What's the difference between "can be defined" and "must be defined"?

"Can be defined" suggests a possibility or option for defining something, whereas "must be defined" indicates a requirement or necessity for a definition.