define as that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define as that" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to clarify or specify a definition, but it lacks proper structure. Example: "We can define the term as that which encompasses all aspects of the phenomenon."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is one Buchanan and Brock define as that of the 'substituted judgement' 'acting according to what the incompetent individual, if competent, would choose' (Buchanan and Brock 1989, 10).

SEP

We are referring to good planning, which we would define as that which pays great attention to the collective interest and an improvement in the quality of life of inhabitants, and is organised using suitable instruments, having tackled the democratic encounter in its approach, taken into account processes underway and qualified and quantified the (negative and positive) effects of its action.

City, Territory and Architecture

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Acceptability can be defined as, "that quality which makes an object, person, event, or idea attractive or satisfactory" [ 1].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

I don't think I'm as easily defined as that, I wish I was.

The Guardian - Music

Humanism, then, may be accurately defined as that Renaissance movement that had as its central focus the ideal of humanitas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The chemical makeup of most minerals is not as well defined as that of quartz, which is a pure substance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is a difference that might be defined as that between a street with shoe stores and a street with only a cobbler.

The New York Times - Arts

IN sporting jargon, the Big Mo, meaning momentum, is defined as that intangible "X" factor that emerges in a game and propels one contestant exorably toward victory.

The New York Times

And not just the foreigner: there's the self-fulfilling prophecy that is campanilismo, which Parks defines as "that eternal rivalry that has every Italian town convinced its neighbours are conspiring against it".

The Guardian - Books

Based on the VIX alone, Mr. Kovacs said, you might conclude that "the markets have experienced meaningful capitulation," defined as that state of hopelessness that is often said on Wall Street to be the prerequisite for a big rally.

The New York Times

The gift of a superior orator has been facetiously defined as that of saying as little as possible in as many words as possible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "define as that". Instead, use "define it as" or "describe it as" for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary words when defining something. Instead of saying "We can define the term as that which encompasses...", simply say "We can define the term as encompassing...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define as that" functions as an attempt to provide a definition or description, but it does so in a grammatically incorrect manner. As Ludwig highlights, standard English prefers alternative constructions such as "define it as".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "define as that" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig points out that alternatives like "define it as" or "describe it as" are preferred for clarity and correctness. While the phrase attempts to clarify the meaning of a term, its flawed structure makes it unsuitable for formal writing. The provided examples illustrate attempts to use the phrase across different contexts, but its rarity and incorrectness suggest avoiding it in favor of more conventional alternatives. Use instead alternatives such as "define it as" or "describe it as".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

define it as

Omits "that", creating a more concise and grammatically sound definition.

describe it as

Replaces "define" with "describe", shifting the focus from a formal definition to a more general description.

stipulate as

Uses "stipulate" to indicate a precise and explicit definition, often in a legal or technical context.

specify as

Uses "specify" to denote a precise and detailed definition, leaving no room for ambiguity.

characterize as

Emphasizes the distinctive qualities or features of something when defining it.

consider as

Suggests a more subjective or evaluative definition, based on a particular perspective.

regard as

Similar to "consider as", indicating a specific viewpoint or judgment in defining something.

portray as

Focuses on how something is presented or depicted, rather than its objective definition.

label as

Highlights the act of assigning a name or category to something.

interpret as

Emphasizes the subjective understanding or meaning attributed to something.

FAQs

How can I properly define something?

Use phrases like "define it as", "describe it as", or "consider it to be" for clear and grammatically sound definitions.

What is a better way to phrase "define as that"?

Alternatives include "define it as", "describe it as", or "characterize as" depending on the intended meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to use "define as that"?

No, "define as that" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use "define it as" or a similar construction.

How does "define as that" differ from "define it as"?

The phrase "define it as" is more concise and grammatically correct. "Define as that" is wordy and awkward, adding unnecessary length to your writing.