defines as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defines as a" is not grammatically correct in written English.
It is missing a key element, such as a subject or verb, and does not make sense on its own. One possible way to use this phrase in a sentence could be: "The word 'happy' defines as a state of joy and contentment." However, even in this sentence, it is more common to use "is defined as" instead of "defines as a." A more clear and concise sentence could be: "The word 'happy' is defined as a state of joy and contentment."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I don't know it, so it depends on whatever he defines as a warrior".

The New York Times - Sports

It was a controversial operation that Schilling today defines as a success.

The Guardian

Soccer, which Dr. Clemens defines as a "continuous-action sport," required a different approach.

The New York Times - Tech

TrueCar provided a "target price" — which it defines as a good price — of $21,927.

The New York Times

Israel has consistently denied holding direct or indirect negotiations with Hamas, which it defines as a terrorist organization.

The New York Times

They died for a pipe dream, which the American Heritage Dictionary defines as a fantastic notion or a vain hope.

The New York Times

But Mr. Foxworthy more forcefully celebrated the crudeness of the redneck, which he defines as a "glorious absence of sophistication".

The New York Times - Arts

That's because it's a good bad poem, which Orwell defines as "a graceful monument to the obvious.

The New York Times - Books

The Beastie Boys targeted the haircut in their rap "Mullet Head," a term that the Oxford English Dictionary defines as a "stupid person".

The New York Times - Magazine

The European Union deals with Mr. Fayyad, an internationally respected independent member of the unity government, but boycotts Hamas, which it defines as a terrorist organization.

The New York Times

Federal law prohibits discrimination against anyone with a disability, which it defines as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "defines as a" in formal writing. Opt for grammatically correct alternatives like "is defined as" or "can be defined as" to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Don't directly use "defines as a" when providing a definition. It's grammatically incorrect. Instead, rephrase the sentence to use "is defined as" or another equivalent expression to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defines as a" is typically intended to provide a definition or characterization of something. However, it's grammatically flawed, requiring correction for proper usage, as Ludwig AI points out.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "defines as a" appears frequently, Ludwig AI correctly identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The correct form is typically "is defined as" or "can be defined as". Despite its prevalence in various contexts, including news and media, formal writing demands adherence to standard grammar rules. This analysis highlights the importance of choosing grammatically sound alternatives to maintain clarity and credibility. Given the high frequency of the phrase, it's crucial to recognize and correct this common grammatical error.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is defined as

Replaces the verb and adds the auxiliary verb "is" to create a passive construction, conforming to standard grammatical rules.

can be defined as

Uses "can be" to indicate possibility and provide a formal definition.

is considered to be

Offers a slightly more formal way of expressing a definition or characterization.

is known as

Suggests that something is commonly recognized or identified by a particular term or description.

is understood as

Emphasizes the interpretation or comprehension of a term or concept.

is characterized as

Focuses on the qualities or attributes that describe something.

is interpreted as

Highlights how something is understood or construed, especially in a specific context.

is regarded as

Suggests a general opinion or assessment about something.

is labeled as

Emphasizes the act of assigning a specific designation or category.

may be described as

Uses "may be" to express possibility and provide a description of the subject.

FAQs

How can I correctly use a definition in a sentence?

Instead of using the phrase "defines as a", which is grammatically incorrect, use "is defined as". For example, instead of "The dictionary defines love as a strong feeling", say "The dictionary is defined as a book containing words and their definitions".

What can I say instead of "defines as a" to provide a definition?

You can use alternatives like "is defined as", "is considered to be", or "can be defined as depending on the context.

Which is correct, "defines as a" or "is defined as"?

"Is defined as" is the grammatically correct option. "Defines as a" is missing an auxiliary verb and doesn't follow standard English grammar rules.

How does the choice of words affect the formality of a definition?

Using phrases like "is considered to be" or "is understood as" can make a definition sound more formal than simply stating "is defined as". Consider your audience and the context when choosing your words.