can be defining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be defining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has the potential to establish or clarify the identity or nature of something else. Example: "The experiences we have in our childhood can be defining moments that shape our future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The impressions made at these obsessed-with-prime-time events can be defining.

The New York Times

If there can be defining moments in a hodgepodge theater piece, two come to mind here.

The New York Times

Dauntingly Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal will be faced in December, but moments like these can be defining.

The Guardian - Sport

Some answers may come with the appointments of the most influential Cabinet posts — State, Treasury and Defense — which can be defining positions.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

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

A parabola can be defined by three points.

The Economist

"Need," of course, can be defined in various ways.

The New York Times

"Its impact on business can be defined and measured".

The New York Times

Neither of which can be defined as irony".

The New York Times - Magazine

Assuming that moment can be defined, of course.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be defining" to emphasize the potential of a moment or event to significantly shape future outcomes or understanding. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being defined or influenced.

Common error

Avoid using "can be defining" when the impact is minor or uncertain. Reserve it for situations where the potential for significant influence is clear and substantial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be defining" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating the potential for something to shape or establish the character or nature of something else. As shown by Ludwig, its uses in contexts where future outcomes are influenced by current events.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be defining" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the potential for something to significantly shape future outcomes, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively infrequent, it appears predominantly in news and media contexts. The phrase effectively conveys the idea that a particular moment or event holds the power to establish or clarify the identity or nature of something else. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being defined and to avoid overstating the potential impact. Alternatives such as "may be formative" or "could be crucial" offer similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be formative

Replaces "defining" with "formative", emphasizing the shaping influence.

could be crucial

Substitutes "defining" with "crucial", highlighting the importance of the moment or event.

might be pivotal

Uses "pivotal" instead of "defining", suggesting a turning point.

can be decisive

Replaces "defining" with "decisive", focusing on the conclusive nature of the event.

may shape

Emphasizes the impact on future development or character.

could determine

Highlights the potential to influence a specific outcome.

might establish

Suggests the creation or confirmation of something significant.

can characterize

Focuses on representing the typical quality or feature of something.

may serve to identify

Focuses on the recognition or establishment of something.

could typify

Expresses that something represents a characteristic example of something.

FAQs

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

Use "can be defining" to describe something that has the potential to significantly shape or determine the nature of something else. For example, "The choices you make now "can be defining" for your future."

What can I say instead of "can be defining"?

You can use alternatives like "may be formative", "could be crucial", or "might be pivotal" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be defining" or "is defining"?

"Can be defining" suggests a potential or possibility, while "is defining" indicates a current, ongoing action. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing potential impact or a current state.

What's the difference between "can be defining" and "could be defining"?

"Can be defining" suggests a general possibility, whereas "could be defining" often implies a conditional or hypothetical scenario. "Could" might also suggest a slightly lower probability than "can".