define where

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'define where' is not grammatically correct in written English, and it cannot be used in a sentence.
To make the sentence accurate, the phrase should be changed to 'define WHERE.' For example: "Please define WHERE the project should be completed."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm going to define where we're going.

The New York Times - Sports

"They define where growth and development will go in the state.

The New York Times

I don't want to define where it's going and where it will end".

The New York Times - Sports

He said the Bush administration was "starting to define where the red lines are".

The New York Times

"We have to define where we'll be in the digital age," Mr. Eisner said.

The New York Times

The new rules define where pit crews should stand during the race.

The New York Times - Sports

He works with music, natural sounds and sounds that help us define where and who we are.

The Guardian

It's not always easy to define where to draw the line of entry into the menopausal state.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Every organization, whether religious or secular, must be able to define where its boundaries begin and end".

The New York Times

But for many people it is hard to define where Mr. Richardson the brand ends and the man begins.

The New York Times

"So began what has become an ongoing struggle to define where athletics fit into the educational mission of American higher education," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for grammatical precision, consider replacing "define where" with phrases like "specify location" or "determine location" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "define where" in formal writing; it is grammatically awkward. Instead, opt for grammatically sound alternatives such as "define the location" or "specify the place".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define where", while frequently used, doesn't adhere to strict grammatical rules. It aims to specify a location or boundary. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical incorrectness. However, examples show its usage in various contexts, albeit requiring careful consideration for formal settings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "define where" is commonly found across various sources, including news and scientific articles, it's considered grammatically incorrect by Ludwig AI. For enhanced clarity and grammatical precision, especially in formal writing, opting for alternatives such as "specify location" or "determine location" is advisable. Recognizing the subtle nuances and communicative intent behind "define where" allows for more effective and grammatically sound expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specify location

Replaces "define where" with a more direct expression of determining a place.

determine location

Similar to "specify location", but emphasizes the act of finding out.

identify the position

Highlights the act of recognizing a specific place.

establish boundaries

Focuses on setting limits or borders, rather than just a location.

pinpoint the spot

Emphasizes finding a precise location.

demarcate the area

Uses a more formal term for setting the limits of an area.

clarify the whereabouts

Focuses on making the location known and understandable.

delineate the region

A more formal way to describe outlining an area.

set the parameters

Defines the limits or scope, less about a specific place.

ascertain the locale

Replaces "define where" with a more formal and literary expression.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically correct alternative to "define where"?

You can use phrases like "specify location", "determine location", or "establish boundaries" depending on the intended meaning.

Is "define where" grammatically correct in academic writing?

No, "define where" is generally considered grammatically incorrect for academic or formal writing. It's better to use clearer and more precise alternatives such as "specify the location" or "determine the location".

How can I use "define where" in a sentence?

While "define where" isn't grammatically ideal, it sometimes appears in informal contexts. However, for improved clarity and correctness, rephrase to something like "specify the place" or "determine the area."

What does "define where" mean?

"Define where" implies specifying a location or setting boundaries. However, it's often better to use clearer phrasing like "identify the position" or "clarify the whereabouts" for better grammar and understanding.