define to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'define to be' is a valid and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used when you are explaining or providing the definition of something. For example: We define success to be achieving our goals and having the satisfaction of knowing that we have done our best.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

We define to be the steady state probabilities of.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

We define to be the smoothing time associated with flow.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Given, we define to be the solution of (25).

Boundary Value Problems

If, we define to be Define by (1.7).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Publishing vocabularies in SKOS allows the concepts they define to be referenced on a global scale.

Semantic Web for the Working Ontologist Effective Modeling in RDFS and OWL

Let us define to be the vector of the parameters to be determined.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Should data processing be re-defined to be made less inclusive?

The Guardian - Tech

A topological property is defined to be a property that is preserved under a homeomorphism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Time is defined to be t.

Robotics and Biomimetics

For every, the spectral radius of is defined to be.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

The weight error is defined to be (11).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define to be", ensure that the definition is clear, concise, and appropriate for your target audience. Avoid using overly technical jargon or ambiguous language.

Common error

Avoid making definitions overly complex. The purpose of "define to be" is to clarify meaning, not to obscure it with unnecessary details or convoluted phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define to be" functions as a definitional verb phrase, introducing a formal or explicit definition of a term or concept. As shown in Ludwig, it's commonly used to specify meaning in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

83%

News & Media

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "define to be" is a valuable phrase for providing clarity and precision in writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in formal and scientific contexts. While it's a common construction, it's crucial to avoid overcomplicating definitions and to tailor your language to your intended audience. Considering alternatives like "stipulate as" or "designate as" can also enhance the nuance and impact of your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "define to be" to communicate complex ideas with accuracy and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stipulate as

Replaces "define" with "stipulate", implying a more formal or explicit definition.

designate as

Uses "designate" instead of "define", suggesting a more practical or functional assignment.

term as

Substitutes "define" with "term", often used in technical or legal contexts.

consider as

Employs "consider" which is a slightly weaker form of definition, implying a subjective viewpoint.

identify as

Replaces "define" with "identify", which suggests recognizing or pointing out something specific.

characterize as

Substitutes "define" with "characterize", focusing on describing the qualities of something.

label as

Uses "label" in place of "define", implying a more informal or simplified designation.

construe as

Employs "construe", implying an interpretation or understanding of something.

set as

Uses "set" instead of "define", suggesting a deliberate choice or assignment of a value.

regard as

Replaces "define" with "regard", indicating a personal opinion or assessment.

FAQs

How can I use "define to be" in a sentence?

The phrase "define to be" is used to introduce a definition or specification. For example, "We define success to be the achievement of our goals".

What are some alternatives to "define to be"?

Alternatives include "stipulate as", "designate as", or "consider as" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "define as" or "define to be"?

"Define as" and "define to be" are often interchangeable, but "define to be" can be slightly more formal. The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "define to be" and "identify as"?

"Define to be" is used to provide a specific meaning or definition, while "identify as" implies recognizing or categorizing something. For example, you might define a term to be something, or identify an object as a specific type.