defined in advance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defined in advance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been established or specified prior to a certain point in time or event. Example: "The criteria for evaluation must be clearly defined in advance to ensure a fair assessment process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Relation types do not need to be defined in advance.

University of California, Berkeley

In order to evaluate these influences, the dispatching algorithm was clearly defined in advance.

Journal of Rail Transport Planning & Management

La Côte Basque, however, became the fashionable place, on the universal principle that whatever is defined in advance as exclusive is uninteresting, while whatever is defined in advance as welcoming can have an overlay of exclusivity bestowed upon it.

The New Yorker

A major limitation of this treatment is that the number of components/voids should be defined in advance.

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

Scoring function, which is basically a mathematical equation that approximates the thermodynamics of binding, has to be defined in advance.

Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems

The limits of the studied area should be defined in advance, for example, a country, a province or a region.

Renewable Energy

This aspect is more like sports, where the basic rules are defined but the narrative is created through the interplay of participants rather than defined in advance.

The New York Times - Arts

"The committee's investigations have shown that when contract terms are not defined in advance, it is usually the taxpayer – not the contractor – who suffers," Mr. Waxman wrote.

The New York Times

Last, excellence looks different for each individual, so it can't be defined in advance and transferred from one person to another.

Harvard Business Review

Not all features can be defined in advance; a declarative approach allows engineers to specify new features without having to design algorithms to find them.

Computer-Aided Design

To be effective, it is important that all standards, guidelines, and procedures are clearly defined in advance and are aligned to the organization's management practices.

The IT Regulatory and Standards Compliance Handbook How to Survive Information Systems Audit and Assessments

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly articulate the criteria or standards being "defined in advance" to ensure all stakeholders have a shared understanding of expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "defined in advance" without providing a specific and clear definition. Failing to do so can lead to misinterpretations and inconsistencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defined in advance" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the timing or condition under which something is defined. It indicates that a definition, criteria, or set of rules has been established prior to a particular event or action. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is generally considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defined in advance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies establishing rules, criteria, or definitions before a specific event or action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is commonly found in scientific, news, and business contexts. Remember to provide clear and specific definitions when using this phrase to prevent any potential for misinterpretation. Alternatives such as "specified prior" or "predetermined" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

established beforehand

Changes the verb and preposition to emphasize the prior establishment of something.

specified prior

Uses "specified" to highlight the detailed articulation and "prior" to emphasize the temporal aspect.

predetermined

Replaces the phrase with a single word suggesting a decision made at an earlier time.

prescribed

Suggests a more formal and authoritative establishment of rules or guidelines.

set forth

Emphasizes the act of formally presenting or outlining something in advance.

laid down

Implies establishing rules or principles that must be followed.

prearranged

Focuses on the act of arranging or planning something before it happens.

pre-established

A compound word emphasizing that something was established at an earlier point.

stipulated earlier

Highlights a condition or requirement that was agreed upon or specified at a previous time.

designated beforehand

Uses "designated" to indicate that something has been officially chosen or assigned in advance.

FAQs

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

You can use "defined in advance" to indicate that certain criteria, rules, or parameters have been established before a particular event or process. For example, "The project's success metrics were "established beforehand" to ensure clear evaluation criteria."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "defined in advance"?

Alternatives include "predetermined", "specified prior", or "established beforehand", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "defined in advance" or "clearly defined"?

While both are correct, "defined in advance" emphasizes the timing of the definition, whereas "clearly defined" emphasizes the clarity of the definition itself. Choose the phrase that best suits the intended meaning.

Why is it important to have something "defined in advance"?

Having parameters "defined in advance" helps ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency in a process. It also minimizes the potential for ambiguity or subjective interpretations.