define the parameters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define the parameters" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used when discussing boundaries, limits, or guidelines that define the scope or conditions of something. Example: "Our team needs to define the parameters of the project before we can begin working on it. We should determine the budget, timeline, and specific goals we are trying to achieve."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

G.V. helped to define the parameters of the fluidic implementation.

Nature

Yesterday, Yankee and Met fans everywhere struggled to define the parameters of their post-Series relationships.

The New York Times

Many in the Senate have been careful not to define the parameters of the solution.

The New York Times

"Levine challenges the court to define the parameters of pre-emption outside the safe confines of the legislators' text".

The New York Times

Eddie Joe White, the current sheriff, told me, "There's no way to define the parameters of sheriff.

The New Yorker

The choices we make as curators about what to collect have the potential to define the parameters of this world.

The Guardian - Opinion

The buttons and the emoji and all the various tools we are given define the parameters of that language.

The Washington Post

As long as the show, even in prospect, generates questions like these, and as long as such questions define the parameters of social concern, no C.E.O.

The New York Times

Brazil's congress will vote next week on a controversial new internet bill that will help to define the parameters of President Dilma Rousseff's campaign to reform the web.

The Guardian

Together, this new book by the distinguished scholar-diplomat and the Bush administration's 2002 national security strategy define the parameters of the establishment debate on national security.

The New York Times - Books

But, on the other hand, why, after two years, should Allison continue to define the parameters of his social life — especially since they were no longer speaking?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define the parameters", ensure that the parameters are measurable and specific. This clarity aids in effective implementation and evaluation.

Common error

Avoid defining parameters vaguely. Vague parameters like "high quality" or "user-friendly" are subjective and difficult to measure. Instead, specify what constitutes "high quality" or how "user-friendly" will be assessed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define the parameters" functions as a directive, indicating the action of establishing clear boundaries or conditions. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig show its application in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "define the parameters" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote the act of setting clear boundaries or conditions. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted and correctly used across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase serves the purpose of establishing a structured framework, guiding processes, and ensuring clarity. While alternatives like "establish the parameters" or "set the parameters" offer similar meanings, "define the parameters" maintains a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional and academic communications. To ensure effective usage, specify measurable and concrete parameters, avoiding vague terms that can lead to misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set the parameters

This alternative uses "set" which is a more direct and common way to indicate the establishment of the parameters.

establish the parameters

This alternative uses "establish" which implies setting up or creating the parameters, slightly different from simply defining them.

delineate the parameters

Using "delineate" suggests marking out the parameters clearly and precisely, adding a sense of detail.

identify the parameters

"Identify" focuses on recognizing and specifying existing parameters, rather than creating or setting them.

determine the parameters

"Determine" suggests finding out or deciding on the parameters, adding an element of discovery or decision-making.

specify the parameters

"Specify" emphasizes stating the parameters clearly and in detail, highlighting precision.

outline the parameters

"Outline" suggests providing a summary or a general framework of the parameters.

stipulate the parameters

"Stipulate" implies including the parameters as part of an agreement or requirement, adding a formal tone.

clarify the parameters

"Clarify" emphasizes making the parameters easier to understand, focusing on removing ambiguity.

detail the parameters

"Detail" suggests providing comprehensive information about the parameters, focusing on thoroughness.

FAQs

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

You can use "define the parameters" to describe the act of setting boundaries or conditions. For example: "Before starting the project, we need to define the parameters of the budget and timeline."

What are some alternatives to "define the parameters"?

Some alternatives to "define the parameters" include "establish the parameters", "set the parameters", or "specify the parameters".

What does it mean to "define the parameters"?

To "define the parameters" means to clearly state and set the limits, scope, or conditions that dictate how something should be done or understood. It involves establishing what is included and what is excluded.

In what context is it appropriate to use "define the parameters"?

"Define the parameters" is appropriate in formal contexts such as project management, scientific research, and legal agreements where clarity and precision are crucial. For instance: "The research team needs to define the parameters of the study before commencing data collection."