defines how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defines how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining the manner or method in which something is defined or determined. Example: "The document defines how the project will be executed and the roles of each team member."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This defines how people engage with the larger society.

The Washington Post

Computer architecture defines how to command a processor.

Digital Design and Computer Architecture

This information defines how the test can be used.

Cornell University

It's worth dwelling on that phrase: "the critical functioning structure that defines how the world works".

The New Yorker

Its stated goal is to demonstrate "how design reflects and defines how we live together today".

The New Yorker

A formal schedule defines how long each type of record must be kept.

The New York Times

And how you negotiate that tension really defines how fashionable you are".

The New Yorker

This is a story about culture and how American urban culture defines how we live.

The Guardian

'[That was] a flaw in the model... that defines how the world works,' " Greenspan confessed belatedly.

The New York Times - Books

Those questions stem from a July 2000 agreement that defines how Novation and Neoforma work together.

The New York Times

Specifically, it defines how to understand "unintended consequences" and whether a decision process's outcomes are fair.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defines how", ensure the subject clearly articulates the method, process, or characteristic being established. For instance, "The protocol defines how data is transmitted." Using synonyms can reduce repetition in longer texts.

Common error

Avoid using "defines how" with an unclear or overly broad subject. For instance, instead of "Technology defines how we live", be more specific: "The internet defines how we communicate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defines how" functions as a connector linking a subject to the method or process it establishes. It indicates that the subject provides a clear and explicit specification for how something is done or structured, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defines how" serves as a crucial link between a subject and the specific method or process it establishes. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse fields like science, news, and business. When using "defines how", ensure that the subject is clear and unambiguous to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "specifies how" and "determines how", each offering subtle nuances. The phrase's consistent usage and presence in authoritative sources underscore its reliability and effectiveness in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Specifies how

Replaces "defines" with a synonym emphasizing precision.

Determines how

Emphasizes the causal aspect of defining.

Dictates how

Suggests a more authoritative or controlling influence.

Establishes how

Highlights the act of setting up a procedure or guideline.

Illustrates how

Focuses on showing or clarifying a process.

Indicates how

Implies pointing out or signaling a method.

Clarifies how

Stresses the removal of ambiguity in a process.

Explains how

Focuses on providing an understanding of a process.

Outlines how

Suggests a structured overview of a method.

Prescribes how

Implies a mandatory or recommended course of action.

FAQs

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

Use "defines how" to explain the process, method, or characteristic that something establishes. For example, "The constitution defines how the government is structured."

What are some alternatives to "defines how"?

You can use alternatives like "specifies how", "determines how", or "establishes how" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "defines how" or "defines the way"?

"Defines how" and "defines the way" are often interchangeable, but "defines how" is more concise. "Defines the way" can be used for emphasis or stylistic variation.

What's the difference between "defines how" and "explains how"?

"Defines how" establishes a standard or method, while "explains how" provides understanding. For example, a manual defines how a machine operates, while a tutorial explains how to use it.