define how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to specify the manner or method in which something should be defined or explained. Example: "In your report, please define how the new policy will impact employee productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It seems reasonableness does not define how we behave.

The Guardian

"They can come to define how people think".

The Guardian

"Color and clarity define how rare the material is".

The New York Times

"It's hard to define how people grow apart," he continued.

The New York Times - Arts

"The producers have to define how ice cider is made.

The Economist

These things, as standalones or collectively, define how I see the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

The international framework must define how proceeds from import duties are used to assure fairness.

The Guardian

It is individual families themselves who should define how they spend their lives together - not employers.

The Guardian - Opinion

No one can define how or when this "war" will end.

The New York Times

With a morals clause, a company can define how much it will endure from an endorser.

The New York Times - Sports

But if it is so hard to define, how can it be legislated?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "define how" to introduce a detailed explanation of a method, process, or concept. This signals to the reader that you are about to provide a specific and comprehensive description.

Common error

Ensure that when using "define how", the subject of definition is clear. A vague or missing subject can lead to confusion. Instead of saying "We need to define how", specify, for example, "We need to define how the budget will be allocated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define how" functions as an introductory element that sets the stage for a detailed explanation or specification. As evidenced by Ludwig, it introduces the manner or method in which something is accomplished or understood. It signals that a clear and precise explanation will follow.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

27%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "define how" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to introduce a detailed explanation or specification. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability across various contexts, ranging from technical and scientific to news and general writing. Predominantly found in news, media and scientific domains, it serves to clarify processes and methods. When using "define how", ensure the context clearly indicates what's being defined to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity, a common pitfall. The phrase sets expectations for precision, making it suitable for formal and technical documents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine the way

Focuses on finding out the specific method, emphasizing discovery.

establish the method

Highlights setting up or creating a particular approach.

specify the manner

Emphasizes being precise about the approach or technique.

clarify the process

Focuses on making the steps of a procedure easier to understand.

explain the mechanism

Highlights revealing how something works or operates.

illustrate the procedure

Focuses on providing examples to show how something is done.

detail the technique

Emphasizes providing a comprehensive explanation of the method.

outline the steps

Focuses on providing a structured overview of the required actions.

describe the approach

Highlights providing a general account of the chosen method.

elucidate the means

Emphasizes making the methods used easier to understand.

FAQs

How can I use "define how" in a sentence?

Use "define how" to introduce an explanation of a process or method, as in: "The manual will "define how" the system operates".

What are some alternatives to "define how"?

You can use alternatives such as "explain how", "describe how", or "specify how" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "define how" or "describe how"?

"Define how" implies a more formal and precise explanation, while "describe how" is generally more informal and can be used for a less technical explanation. Choose based on your audience and the context.

When is it appropriate to use "define how" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "define how" when you need to provide a clear and detailed explanation of a process, method, or concept. This is common in technical writing, academic papers, and instructional manuals.