defined by the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defined by the" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to introduce a specific defining factor or characteristic of something or someone. Here are a few examples: 1. The success of a company is often defined by the quality of its products and the satisfaction of its customers. 2. The artist's unique style is defined by the use of vibrant colors and abstract shapes. 3. In many cultures, a person's social status is defined by the clothes they wear and the possessions they own. 4. The boundary between the two countries is defined by the river that runs through it. 5. The meaning of a word is often defined by the context in which it is used.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

as defined by the International Labour Organisation.

The Guardian

It is defined by the syllabus.

The New York Times

Composed, generally defined By the long sharing.

The New Yorker

"It's being defined by the F.B.I.

The New York Times

History is always defined by the victors.

The Guardian - Opinion

Vision must be defined by the leader.

Harvard Business Review

Truth was defined by the leader.

The Washington Post

% defined by the S-function parameters.

Yale University

Recent alumni, as defined by the Registrar.

Stanford University

"The building was really defined by the models".

The New York Times - Sports

"Because to me, the history is defined by the people".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defined by the", ensure that the defining characteristic is clear and unambiguous to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "defined by the" when the defining factors are not explicitly stated or are too broad, which can weaken the sentence's clarity. Be specific about what exactly constitutes the definition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defined by the" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying the defining characteristics or criteria. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

30%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defined by the" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to specify defining characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using "defined by the", clarity and specificity are key to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "determined by the", "characterized by the", and "identified by the" offer nuanced options for expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determined by the

Focuses on the act of establishing something definitively; stronger emphasis on causality.

characterized by the

Highlights distinctive qualities or features that define something.

identified by the

Emphasizes recognition based on certain attributes.

specified by the

Highlights the act of explicitly stating the defining factors.

governed by the

Suggests that something is controlled or regulated by specific rules or principles.

shaped by the

Indicates that something has been influenced or molded by external factors.

dictated by the

Suggests a strong controlling influence that determines the outcome.

limited by the

Indicates restrictions that define the scope or extent of something.

established by the

Highlights the act of setting something up as a standard or norm.

indicated by the

Points out that certain features serve as markers to define something.

FAQs

How can I use "defined by the" in a sentence?

Use "defined by the" to specify the characteristics that determine the nature of something. For instance, "Success is "defined by the" achievements you make".

What are some alternatives to "defined by the"?

Alternatives include "determined by the", "characterized by the", or "identified by the", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "defined by" without "the"?

While "defined by" is grammatically correct, including "the" often provides a more specific reference. For example, "The project is defined by its goals" is more precise than "The project is defined by goals".

What's the difference between "defined by the" and "as defined by the"?

"Defined by the" directly states the defining characteristic, while "as defined by the" indicates that the definition is coming from a specific source or authority, adding an element of attribution.