define on what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define on what" is not correct in standard written English.
It is unclear and does not convey a complete thought, making it difficult to use effectively in communication. Example: "Please define on what criteria you based your decision."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's not for the BBC to define on what basis something is in the charts".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Due to all of these recent studies, a consensus is now defined on what the ALL is and what role it plays in overall lateral knee stability.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Accommodation is then what happens when the update is not defined on what was previously considered to be the most plausible context, in which case the hearer drops that context from contention.

SEP

This diversity of ideas in turn depends on factors such as how health is defined, on what structural level health interventions will take place; individual or population level, and if prevention is considered to be part of health promotion or if the terms are attributed to separate dimensions.

BMC Health Services Research

It was a consultative vote that failed to define Brexit on what terms, with what sacrifices or at what price.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's funny how much of ourselves we define based on what we do.

Huffington Post

However, the other components appear in other clusters that are more difficult to define based on what is known.

BMC Systems Biology

The truth ostensibly turns on what you define as a "date," but I think it simpler still to just give it an outright no.

HuffPost

Anbang also pushed — and even defied — the government's often loosely defined limits on what Chinese insurers are allowed to do.

The New York Times

However, no defined rules on what aspects of LULUCF (i.e. categories, activities, pools, etc).

Carbon Balance and Management

It's all about making that initial, defining decision on what you want to invest in.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "define on what" with more precise alternatives such as "define based on what criteria" or "specify in terms of what parameters". This enhances grammatical correctness and ensures your meaning is accurately conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "define on what" due to its grammatical awkwardness. This construction can confuse readers. Instead, opt for clearer phrasing that specifies the basis or criteria for the definition, such as "define based on" or "define in terms of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase primarily functions as a prepositional phrase aiming to introduce the basis or criteria for a definition. However, it's often considered grammatically awkward. Ludwig AI notes that the phrase is not standard in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "define on what" appears in various sources, it is generally considered grammatically awkward and not standard in written English. Ludwig AI confirms its questionable status. For improved clarity and precision, it is recommended to use alternatives such as "define based on what", "specify by what", or "establish on what basis". These alternatives enhance grammatical correctness and ensure your intended meaning is accurately conveyed, especially in formal or professional contexts. By using more precise language, you can avoid ambiguity and effectively communicate the criteria or factors influencing a definition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

define based on what

Replaces "on" with "based on" to clarify the dependency or foundation for the definition.

define in terms of what

Uses "in terms of" to specify the parameters or conditions under which something is defined.

specify by what

Replaces "define" with "specify" offering a more direct and precise alternative to set the criteria.

establish on what basis

Uses "establish on what basis" to focus on the rationale or justification for a definition.

determine according to what

Replaces "define" with "determine" and uses "according to" to indicate the guiding principles for the definition.

clarify on what grounds

This alternative uses "clarify on what grounds" to refine understanding based on particular reasons or justification.

delineate by what criteria

This option uses "delineate by what criteria" to suggest drawing a distinct boundary based on specific standards.

stipulate under what conditions

This alternative specifies the exact circumstances in which a definition applies.

set out what defines

Uses "set out what defines" to present a formal or structured definition.

indicate what determines

This alternative uses "indicate what determines" to show what factors influence the definition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "define on what" for better clarity?

To improve clarity, you can replace "define on what" with phrases like "define based on what", "define in terms of what", or "specify by what", depending on the context.

What's wrong with using "define on what"?

The phrase "define on what" is considered grammatically awkward and can be unclear. It's better to use more precise alternatives that specify the basis or criteria for the definition, such as "define based on" or "define in terms of".

Which is correct: "define on what" or "define based on what"?

"Define based on what" is generally more grammatically sound than "define on what". It clearly indicates that the definition is dependent on certain criteria or factors.

When is it appropriate to use "define on what"?

While some sources use "define on what", it's generally advisable to avoid it in formal writing. Opt for clearer and more grammatically accepted alternatives like "specify by what" or "establish on what basis" to ensure your message is easily understood.