defined an issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defined an issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of clarifying or specifying a problem or topic for further analysis or discussion. Example: "In the meeting, we defined an issue that needed immediate attention regarding the project's timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

k* and D* at the lowest temperature and D* of LSC/STO at the highest temperature (open or missing symbols) are not reliable or are very ill defined, an issue that will be discussed in more detail later.

ACS Nano

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Leadership is about defining an issue and marshalling persuasive arguments in its favour.

The Guardian - Opinion

Many times in his Presidency, Mr. Reagan has succeeded in so defining an issue, while fuzzing over the details.

The New York Times

Quantitative surveys will always have a large and important role as a research tool, especially when it comes to defining an issue, segmenting communities and establishing baselines for evaluation.

The Guardian

The review has shown that human beings have at any point in time already accumulated some knowledge that is likely to influence how they frame the available evidence defining an issue and its possible solutions.

Nature

Dr. Siegel: People can define an issue of "like me" in too narrow a way.

Forbes

As anyone working in public relations knows, if you control the language you are half way to defining an issue.

BBC

Selectively noting the facts that support my worldview is simply defining an issue "as I see it".

Vice

Start to define an issue that you care about.

WikiHow

After letting Republicans define the issues as they have during the last two years, it is an opportunity for the Democrats to define an important issue in ways that are favorable to them.

Huffington Post

When innovation is defined as an issue of culture you can work on it for years and make little or no progress.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defined an issue", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is doing the defining and what criteria are being used. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "defined an issue" when a more specific verb like 'identified', 'clarified', or 'diagnosed' would better capture the nuance of the situation. Overusing general terms can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defined an issue" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of clarifying or specifying a particular problem or topic. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase to describe the process of clarifying a problem or topic for analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defined an issue" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the process of clarifying a problem or topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for clarifying subjects for analysis. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for various forms of writing. While not extremely frequent, its precise meaning ensures its continued relevance when specificity and clarity are required. When writing, ensure context is clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identified a problem

Focuses on recognizing the existence of a difficulty rather than actively shaping its definition.

clarified a concern

Highlights the act of making a worry or point of uncertainty more understandable.

specified a matter

Emphasizes making something particular or distinct in detail.

articulated a challenge

Implies expressing a difficulty clearly and effectively, often for discussion or action.

framed a question

Suggests structuring a problem as an inquiry to guide investigation or discussion.

delineated a subject

Focuses on marking out the boundaries or scope of a topic precisely.

pinpointed an area

Highlights identifying a precise location or aspect of a problem.

diagnosed a condition

Implies a careful examination to identify the nature of a problem, often in a medical or technical context.

established a point

Focuses on setting up or proving a specific idea or argument.

characterized a situation

Involves describing the nature or qualities of a particular set of circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "defined an issue" in a sentence?

You can use "defined an issue" to describe the process of clarifying or specifying a problem for discussion. For example, "The committee first "defined an issue" before proposing solutions".

What are some alternatives to "defined an issue"?

Alternatives include "identified a problem", "clarified a concern", or "specified a matter", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "defined an issue" or "identified an issue"?

"Defined an issue" implies actively shaping or clarifying the problem, while "identified an issue" suggests simply recognizing its existence. The best choice depends on whether you are emphasizing the act of shaping understanding or merely acknowledging a problem.

What does it mean to "define an issue" in public relations?

In public relations, to "define an issue" means to frame it in a way that influences public perception. As the BBC example shows, controlling the language is half the battle in shaping public opinion about a topic.