defining how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defining how" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process or method of establishing the way something is done or understood. Example: "The research paper focuses on defining how social media influences public opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are defining how the technology will go, and they are also defining the art.

The New York Times - Tech

That was important in defining how we were with one another.

The Guardian - Music

What's fundamentally exciting is that consumers are controlling it, they are defining how it grows.

The Guardian - Tech

The standards defining how those boxes connect to digital-ready sets have not been defined.

The New York Times - Tech

In keeping with these groundbreaking events, 2013 will be critical in defining how genomics will affect the future.

The Economist

"This year, it's about defining how we're going to play going into the playoffs," Van Gundy said before the game.

The New York Times - Sports

The government must also complete last June's modest labour reform by defining how companies facing losses might shed workers.

The Economist

The speed is a scalar defining how fast clusters move.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Constraints limit the meta -model by defining how model elements can be used.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

A team of molecular biologists has taken a stab at defining how we became human.

Science Magazine

Definition: The theory defining how behavior can shift greatly based on changed expectations.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defining how", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being defined and the scope of the definition. For example, "Defining how the algorithm processes data is crucial for understanding its limitations."

Common error

Avoid using "defining how" without specifying what aspect or element is being defined. A vague statement like "Defining how things work" lacks precision and reduces the sentence's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining how" functions as a gerund phrase, often introducing a clause that specifies the method, process, or manner in which something occurs. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used to clarify the mechanisms or approaches under discussion. Examples show its role in explaining everything from technological processes to biological functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defining how" is a grammatically correct and widely used construction that functions as a gerund phrase to introduce explanations of methods and processes. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase is most commonly found in scientific and news media contexts, reflecting its utility in both detailed analysis and general explanation. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and precision in specifying what is being defined, avoiding vagueness to maximize its impact. Alternatives like "establishing the method for" and "determining the manner in which" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Establishing the method for

Focuses on the act of setting up a procedure rather than simply defining it.

Determining the manner in which

Emphasizes the process of figuring out the specific way something happens.

Specifying the process by which

Highlights the detailed description of a particular procedure.

Clarifying the way in which

Underscores the act of making something easier to understand regarding its method.

Illustrating the means by which

Focuses on providing examples to explain how something is achieved.

Delineating the approach to

Emphasizes outlining or marking the boundaries of a specific method.

Ascertaining the technique for

Stresses the process of finding out the correct or best way to do something.

Defining the mechanism through which

Highlights the detailed process or system by which something operates.

Pinpointing the mode of

Focuses on identifying the exact way something is done or occurs.

Describing the route for

Emphasizes the path or sequence of actions taken to achieve a result.

FAQs

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

Use "defining how" to introduce an explanation of a process, method, or approach. For example, "The study focuses on defining how social media impacts political discourse."

What can I say instead of "defining how"?

You can use alternatives like "establishing the method for", "determining the manner in which", or "specifying the process by which" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "defining how" formal or informal?

"Defining how" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language. It's frequently used in scientific papers, news articles, and general discussions.

What's the difference between "defining how" and "describing how"?

"Defining how" implies establishing or clarifying a specific method or process, while "describing how" simply involves explaining it. "Defining how" sets boundaries or parameters, while "describing how" offers details.