define the objectives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define the objectives" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when outlining specific goals or aims for a project, task, or study. Example: "Before we begin the project, we need to define the objectives to ensure everyone is on the same page."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Define the objectives.

Harvard Business Review

But it is the subordinates who must define the objectives that move the organization toward the desired outcome.

Harvard Business Review

Management must define the objectives that are to be met by the risk management program.

Process Risk and Reliability Management Operational Integrity Management

Most important, we have to educate technologists and not leave them to define the objectives of the technology.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The IEA says the wide difference between these scenarios and one that limits warming to 2C "underlines the critical role of governments to define the objectives and implement the policies necessary to shape our energy future".

The Guardian

For design efficiency, it is necessary to define the objectives and criteria, including sustainable/green goals, before beginning the design to minimize the potential of increased design costs.

The ASHRAE GreenGuide The Design, Construction, and Operation of Sustainable Buildings

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Before the day: Define the objective of the session.

The Guardian

Trying to define the objective of the game isn't easy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Technologists do not define the objective functions behind AI independent of social context.

Harvard Business Review

Finally, if there is a military component, we will have to define the objective in an achievable way".

The New York Times

Leaders must define the objective at the outset, delineating clear initiatives and painting a vivid picture of what success will look like, they contend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When starting a new project, clearly "define the objectives" at the outset to align team efforts and measure progress effectively. This provides a foundation for decision-making and resource allocation.

Common error

Avoid using broad or ambiguous language when you "define the objectives". Instead, use specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) criteria to ensure clarity and focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define the objectives" primarily functions as a directive or imperative phrase. It is commonly used to instruct or emphasize the need to clarify and specify goals or targets, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Academia

12%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "define the objectives" is a grammatically correct and commonly used directive to clarify and specify goals across various contexts. Ludwig's analysis indicates its prevalence in scientific, news media, and formal business settings. Alternatives like ""set the goals"" or "establish the aims" can be used for semantic variation. Emphasizing clarity and specificity when "define the objectives" helps ensure effective project management and communication. With a high expert rating and consistent usage, this phrase remains a valuable tool for effective communication and planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set the goals

Focuses on establishing goals rather than specifically defining objectives.

establish the aims

Emphasizes setting aims or purposes, differing slightly in nuance from objectives.

determine the targets

Highlights determining specific targets to be achieved.

specify the goals

Focuses on making the goals clear and explicit.

outline the objectives

Stresses the act of providing a summary or overview of the objectives.

clarify the aims

Emphasizes making the aims clear and easy to understand.

formulate the targets

Highlights the process of creating or devising the targets.

lay out the goals

Focuses on presenting the goals in a clear and organized manner.

delineate the objectives

Emphasizes describing or defining the objectives with precision.

establish the parameters

Refers to setting the limits or boundaries of what needs to be achieved.

FAQs

How can I use "define the objectives" in a sentence?

You can use "define the objectives" to describe the process of clarifying and setting goals for a project or task. For example, "Before starting, we must "set the goals" for the quarter."

What can I say instead of "define the objectives"?

You can use alternatives like ""set the goals"", "establish the aims", or "determine the targets" depending on the context.

What is the importance of "defining the objectives" before starting a project?

"Defining the objectives" ensures that everyone involved understands the goals, leading to better alignment, efficient resource use, and improved chances of success. Without clearly defined objectives, projects can lack direction and become difficult to manage.

What's the difference between "define the objectives" and "establish the objectives"?

While both phrases are similar, "define the objectives" emphasizes clarifying and specifying the goals, whereas "establish the objectives" focuses on setting up or creating those goals.