define when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to specify a particular time or condition for something to occur or be applicable. Example: "Please define when the project deadline is so that we can plan accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We define when the new rule preserves stochastic dominance.

Structural Safety

How would you define when the backstop is triggered?

The Economist

Tax treaties between countries define when multinational corporations can, and can't, be taxed.

The Guardian

The I.A.A.F. must objectively define when prosthetic devices "go from therapy to enhancement," Schneider said.

The New York Times - Sports

Then the group had to define when action started and stopped.

The New York Times - Tech

For this particular example, you have to define when the meeting actually begins.

Harvard Business Review

Nor did Tillerson define when the US would "conclude" its war against Isis.

The Guardian

In this paper, we formally define when two basic belief assignments are in conflict.

Artificial Intelligence

We define when a lattice element x∈L is grounded for lattice operator O L→L.

Artificial Intelligence

Criteria are required to define when and why such approaches are necessary.

Toxicology Letters

The GMC did not define when it would describe a hospital during a strike as 'struggling to cope'.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "define when", ensure the context clearly indicates what event or condition's timing is being defined. Clarity is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "define when" without a clear subject. Ensure the sentence specifies what needs to have its timing defined to avoid confusion. For example, instead of "We need to define when", say "We need to define when the project starts."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define when" functions as a directive to specify the timing or conditions of a particular event or action. Based on Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "define when" is a versatile phrase used to seek clarity about the timing or conditions of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating its adaptability across different registers. When using "define when", ensure the context is clear to avoid vagueness, and consider alternatives like "specify when" or "determine when" to fine-tune your intended meaning. Considering it's high applicability in several contexts, "define when" results to be a strong directive for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specify when

Emphasizes making something explicit or detailed regarding timing.

determine when

Focuses on finding out or establishing the time of something.

establish when

Highlights the act of setting up or creating a specific time or condition.

stipulate when

Implies a formal or legal requirement to specify a time.

indicate when

Suggests pointing out or showing when something will occur.

clarify when

Focuses on making the timing clear and understandable.

designate when

Emphasizes the act of officially assigning a time.

set the time for

Highlights the action of scheduling something at a specific time.

decide the timing of

Focuses on making a judgment or choice about when something should happen.

ascertain the moment for

Implies discovering or finding out the precise time for an event.

FAQs

How do I use "define when" in a sentence?

Use "define when" to specify the time or conditions under which something will occur. For example, "The contract should "define when" the payment is due."

What can I say instead of "define when"?

You can use alternatives like "specify when", "determine when", or "establish when" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "define when" or "determine when"?

Both ""define when"" and "determine when" are correct, but "define when" implies setting a standard, while "determine when" suggests finding out something. Choose based on the nuance you intend.

What is the difference between "define when" and "indicate when"?

"Define when" means to establish a clear meaning of the timing of something, while "indicate when" simply points out the time without necessarily establishing its precise meaning or conditions.