can be defined as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be defined as" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is used to help explain the definition of something, and can be used both formally and informally. Example: The term 'literary fiction' can be defined as stories that focus on characters, plot, and themes.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fiction can be defined as a coherent tissue of lies.

The New York Times - Books

Hysteria can be defined as ungovernable emotional excess.

The Guardian - Opinion

Neither of which can be defined as irony".

The New York Times - Magazine

Mobile substations can be defined as completely equipped electrical substations.

Engineering Structures

"I just hate anything that can be defined as more spectacle than sport," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Whorephobia can be defined as the fear or the hate of sex workers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Considering this, it's debatable whether Clinton's plan can be defined as debt-free.

The Guardian - Money

The instant a music can be defined as a genre and thus copied, it's dead.

The Guardian

Whether, or how, that sensibility can be defined as "African" is a question.

The New York Times - Arts

The formulation can be defined as follows.

Financial Innovation

Mathematically, it can be defined as.

Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be defined as", ensure the definition you provide is clear, concise, and appropriate for your target audience. Avoid overly technical or jargon-laden language if writing for a general audience.

Common error

Avoid defining a term using the term itself or closely related words. This leads to circular reasoning and doesn't provide a meaningful explanation. Instead, use different and more accessible vocabulary to clarify the concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be defined as" serves as an introductory phrase to present a definition or explanation of a term or concept. It explicitly frames the subsequent text as a clarification or formal meaning, effectively setting expectations for the reader.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be defined as" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to introduce definitions in writing. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread use. It is particularly prevalent in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure your definitions are clear and contextually appropriate, and avoid circular reasoning. Alternatives such as "may be described as" or "is characterized by" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. "Can be defined as" serves to offer clarity and establish shared understanding, helping to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is characterized by

Shifts the focus to the key attributes or features that define something.

may be described as

Changes the verb from 'defined' to 'described', implying a less formal or strict characterization.

is known as

Highlights the common or accepted name or designation.

could be considered as

Uses 'considered' instead of 'defined', suggesting a more subjective or evaluative assessment.

is regarded as

Emphasizes how something is viewed or perceived by others.

is understood to be

Focuses on the common understanding or interpretation of something.

is identified as

Focuses on recognition and categorization of something.

is essentially

Simplifies the definition to its core essence or fundamental nature.

is classified as

Implies a systematic or organized assignment to a particular group or category.

is tantamount to

Indicates equivalence or near-equivalence, often used in formal contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "can be defined as" to introduce a formal or accepted meaning of a term. For example, "A kudo "can be defined as" an expression of praise or approval".

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

You can use phrases like "may be described as", "is understood to be", or "is characterized by" to introduce a definition in a slightly different way.

Is it better to use "can be defined as" or "is defined as"?

"Is defined as" implies a universally accepted definition, while "can be defined as" suggests that the definition is one of several possibilities or is context-dependent. Choose the phrasing that best reflects the nature of the definition you are providing.

What's the difference between "can be defined as" and "is essentially"?

"Can be defined as" introduces a formal definition, whereas "is essentially" simplifies the concept to its most basic or fundamental aspect.