define them as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define them as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to specify or clarify the meaning or characteristics of something or someone. Example: "In this study, we define them as individuals who have a significant impact on their community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They do not share uniform standards that define them as green.

The New York Times

These welded horizons show, locally, rheomorphic structures allowing to define them as emplaced as clastogenic lava flows.

Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research

Young people – let's call them young adults – are eager for meaning, for something to help define them as mature.

University of California, Berkeley

It involves cultivating stronger relationships with colleagues whose membership in the network is clear; their roles define them as stakeholders.

Harvard Business Review

Republicans facing pro-single-payer gubernatorial candidates have attempted to define them as reckless, destructive spending addicts.

The Washington Post

In truth the ways that people employ public space define them as precisely as a Planet Hollywood T-shirt would, according to the anthropologist Edward T. Hall.

The New York Times - Style

For this problem we define them as follows.

Boundary Value Problems

In this work we define them as follows.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Each major city has those special characteristics that define them as one-of-a-kind.

Huffington Post

Well, the Democrats need to look at who and what they're allowing to define them as well.

Huffington Post

Rather than omitting these regions from our database, we define them as yet another alternate domain definition (composite domains).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define them as", ensure that the definition is clear, concise, and relevant to the context. Avoid ambiguity by providing sufficient detail or examples.

Common error

Avoid defining entities so broadly that the definition becomes meaningless. A good definition should be specific enough to distinguish the defined entity from others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define them as" functions as a definitional phrase, used to specify the meaning or characteristics of a subject. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in establishing precise parameters or categories. Its function is to provide clarity and establish a shared understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

36%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "define them as" is a versatile tool for specifying meaning and establishing clarity in writing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that your definitions are precise and relevant to your audience. Be mindful of potential errors, such as overly broad definitions that lack specificity. Alternatives like ""characterize them as"" or ""classify them as"" can be used to fine-tune the nuance of your writing. This phrase frequently appears in science, news, and academic contexts, making it essential for clear and effective communication in these fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characterize them as

Focuses on describing qualities or attributes.

classify them as

Implies placing them into a specific category.

describe them as

A general way to provide information about their nature.

identify them as

Focuses on recognizing or establishing their identity.

consider them to be

Highlights a particular perspective or opinion about them.

regard them as

Emphasizes a specific way of thinking about them.

label them as

Suggests assigning a specific descriptor or name to them.

view them as

Indicates a subjective interpretation or perception.

deem them to be

Emphasizes a formal judgment or assessment.

portray them as

Highlights how they are depicted or represented.

FAQs

How can I use "define them as" in a sentence?

You can use "define them as" to specify the meaning or characteristics of something. For instance, "We "define them as" individuals who actively participate in community service."

What are some alternatives to "define them as"?

Alternatives include "characterize them as", "classify them as", or "describe them as", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to "define them as" something explicitly?

No, explicit definition is not always necessary. However, it is helpful when introducing a new concept, clarifying ambiguous terms, or establishing a specific scope for a discussion.

How does "define them as" differ from "describe them as"?

"Define them as" is used to provide a precise meaning, while ""describe them as"" offers a broader overview of characteristics or qualities. Definition aims for precision, while description aims for a comprehensive portrayal.