define the structure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define the structure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to explain or outline the organization or framework of a particular concept, system, or document. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, we need to define the structure of our report to ensure clarity and coherence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Archetypes define the structure of a series of fields with well-defined semantic relationships and a terminology defines the possible values for each field [ 11].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Cull's success has also helped define the structure of the business.

The Guardian

What was it like when you and your Rockefeller colleagues used X-ray crystallography to define the structure of the C.D.T. molecule?

The New York Times - Science

People want to define the structure of their own lives, and Silicon Valley's myriad product lines are an unwelcome intrusion into the way we live and interact with one another – and even the way we eat, sleep and procreate.

The Guardian - Opinion

The dust around Zeta Leporis was known to be unusually warm, but the new research is the first to define the structure of the disk and its resemblance to an asteroid belt.

The New York Times

But whether it concentrates or disperses these powers, a constitution always contains at least the rules that define the structure and operation of the government that runs the community.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After receiving his doctorate in physics from Johns Hopkins University (1926), he joined the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism of the Carnegie Institution of Washington Washingtonn, D.C ., where he used high-voltage accelerators to define the structure of the atom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Essentially, the network allows schools to define the structure of their online courses and customize the learning experience.

TechCrunch

We define the structure similarity between two proteins as the cRMS distance between their structures.

Journal of Molecular Biology

9 parameters are selected to define the structure and 25 constraints are established.

Procedia Earth and Planetary Science

Data description language (DDL) is used to define the structure of the data.

SQL Practical Guide for Developers

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define the structure", ensure you clearly articulate which aspects of the structure you are defining to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "define the structure" without specifying what elements are being structured. Always provide context to ensure clarity and avoid vague statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define the structure" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of specifying, establishing, or clarifying the arrangement and relationships of elements within a system or concept. Ludwig examples show its usage across diverse fields, confirming its role in outlining frameworks and organizations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "define the structure" is a grammatically sound and versatile verb phrase used to indicate the act of specifying or clarifying the organization and framework of a system or concept. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in scientific and professional contexts, underscoring its role in establishing clarity and guiding further actions. While alternatives exist, such as "establish the framework" or "outline the organization", "define the structure" offers a direct and widely understood way to express the act of structuring information. Therefore, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is important to use the phrase accurately, avoiding ambiguity by clearly articulating which aspects of the structure are being defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish the framework

Focuses on setting up a foundational system, emphasizing the establishment aspect.

determine the organization

Emphasizes the process of finding out how something is arranged or structured.

outline the framework

Highlights creating a summary or sketch of the main components of a structure.

specify the configuration

Centers on detailing the arrangement of elements in a system or object.

lay out the design

Focuses on presenting a detailed plan or arrangement.

clarify the arrangement

Emphasizes making the existing structure more understandable.

elucidate the composition

Highlights explaining the makeup or constituents of something.

ascertain the morphology

Centers on discovering the form and structure, often in a scientific context.

structure definition

Noun phrase that describe the act of defining structure.

set the parameters

Focuses on establishing the limits or boundaries that shape the structure.

FAQs

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

You can use "define the structure" to indicate the act of specifying or establishing the framework of something, like: "The purpose of this document is to "define the structure" of our new marketing campaign."

What are some alternatives to "define the structure"?

Alternatives include "establish the framework", "determine the organization", or "outline the framework" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "define the structure" or "describe the structure"?

"Define the structure" implies setting up or specifying the framework, while "describe the structure" means explaining an existing one. The best choice depends on whether you are creating or explaining the structure.

What does it mean to "define the structure" of a project?

To "define the structure" of a project means to establish its fundamental components, organization, and how those components relate to each other. This helps provide clarity and direction for the project's execution.