defined how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defined how" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the manner or method in which something is defined or described. Example: "The research paper defined how the new algorithm improves efficiency in data processing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Showalter said preparation defined how he lives his life, something that is also true of Girardi.

The New York Times

The board said the code strictly defined how sex education and related courses were to be taught.

The New York Times

It's such a shame that the conventional packaging of classical music has defined how it is generally perceived.

The Guardian - Music

And when "merit" is somehow defined, how will they determine which of the judicial candidates possess it?

The New York Times

Like most big companies, it used to develop software by first creating a comprehensive design that defined how features would be written and tested.

The New York Times - Tech

He added that some crucial elements remained to be defined: how the force would be formed, who would contribute, and what its mandate would be.

The Guardian

"Monday Night Football" not only defined how sports was packaged on television; it also changed forever the economics of the industry.

The New York Times - Magazine

Burnham defined how the gritty industrial city grew, inspiring its necklace of lakefront parkland and widening boulevards to create a better transportation and circulation system.

The New York Times

And from the late 1940's until 1992, he defined how New Yorkers listened to the Knicks, then the Giants and finally, the Jets.

The New York Times - Sports

"Apparently, in the eighties it was the show that defined how men should dress, although some people thought it was super-cheesy".

The New Yorker

Dr. Rex Archer, the director of health for Kansas City, Mo., said: "We as a nation have not defined how well we want to protect our public.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defined how" to clearly explain the process or method by which something is achieved or understood. This phrase is useful for providing clarity and context in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "defined how" in sentences where a simpler word like "showed" or "explained" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defined how" functions as a connector introducing a subordinate clause, explaining the manner or method in which something has been established or understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature. The phrase often clarifies processes or behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defined how" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to explain the manner or method in which something is established or understood. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is frequently found in News & Media and scientific contexts, providing clarity and detail about processes and methods. While alternatives like "specified how" or "explained the technique" may sometimes be suitable, "defined how" emphasizes a clear and often authoritative explanation. To ensure clarity in your writing, avoid overuse in simple sentences where simpler alternatives would be more appropriate. By understanding its usage and context, you can effectively incorporate "defined how" into your writing to provide comprehensive explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specified how

Emphasizes a precise and detailed explanation of the method.

determined the way

Highlights the process of finding out or establishing a particular method.

established the method

Focuses on setting up a particular way of doing something.

clarified the process

Stresses the act of making a process more understandable.

illustrated the manner

Focuses on providing examples or demonstrations of a particular way.

dictated the means

Implies a controlling or authoritative influence on the method used.

outlined the procedure

Highlights a structured and planned approach to a method.

regulated the manner

Indicates controlling or governing how something is done.

formulated the approach

Focuses on creating or developing a specific way of doing something.

explained the technique

Emphasizes the act of describing or clarifying a specific technique.

FAQs

How can I use "defined how" in a sentence?

Use "defined how" to illustrate the way in which something is created, achieved, or understood. For example, "The experiment defined how the new drug interacts with cancer cells."

What are some alternatives to "defined how"?

You can use alternatives like "specified how", "determined the way", or "explained the technique" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "defined how" or "defined that"?

"Defined how" is used to explain a method or process, while "defined that" is used to state a definition. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "defined how" and "described how"?

"Defined how" implies a precise or authoritative explanation of a method or process, while "described how" simply means giving an account of it. The former suggests more clarity or authority.