defining it as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defining it as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to specify or clarify the meaning or nature of something in a particular context. Example: "In this study, we are defining it as a method of improving communication skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It tries to make its rough edges a virtue, defining it as a news channel for the YouTube world.

The New York Times

"Defining it as an epidemic has been hugely important in changing the market perception".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We told him what we wanted, never defining it as our last will and testament.

The Guardian - Books

This allows him to preserve the right to sanction torture by defining it as not torture.

The New York Times

I am provisionally defining it as a change that is causally exogenous to the character of the person.

Harvard University

The law legalizes daily fantasy by defining it as a game of skill, rather than one of chance.

The New Yorker

Struggling with the concept of happiness, he ends up by defining it as any kind of positive experience.

The Guardian - Books

Random House Webster's College Dictionary included "24/7" in this year's edition, defining it as meaning "continually or constantly".

The New York Times

Economists seldom use the term "implementation" when addressing policy processes and outcomes, not defining it as a separate field of inquiry from policy analysis.

Stanford University

STEPHEN STROMBERG, EDITORIAL WRITER: How are you defining "incorrect?" It seems like you're defining it as fairness or your view of fairness rather than accuracy.

The Washington Post

"People don't have any set expectations of what green media is, and we're defining it — as really funny, engaging, entertaining and definitely credible".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defining it as" to provide clarity and precision when introducing a specific meaning or interpretation of a term or concept within your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "defining it as" when a simpler, more direct definition would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining it as" functions as a verbal phrase introducing a definition or a specific interpretation of a subject. This is evidenced by its frequent use in contexts where clarity and precision are essential, like in Ludwig AI examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

23%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defining it as" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to introduce a specific definition or interpretation of a term or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, reflecting its role in establishing clarity and precision. While alternatives like "describing it as" or "characterizing it as" exist, "defining it as" is particularly useful when a formal and unambiguous definition is required. When using this phrase, it's best to avoid overuse and ensure that the definition adds value to the discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

describing it as

Focuses on providing a descriptive account rather than a strict definition.

characterizing it as

Emphasizes identifying key traits or qualities of something.

identifying it as

Highlights the act of recognizing and categorizing something.

construing it as

Suggests interpreting something in a particular way, often based on subjective understanding.

interpreting it as

Focuses on understanding the meaning or significance of something.

viewing it as

Indicates a particular perspective or opinion on something.

classifying it as

Highlights the act of assigning something to a specific category or group.

designating it as

Focuses on formally assigning a name, title, or function to something.

considering it as

Implies a more thoughtful evaluation or assessment of something.

regarding it as

Suggests a particular attitude or feeling towards something.

FAQs

How can I use "defining it as" in a sentence?

You can use "defining it as" to introduce a specific meaning or interpretation. For example, "The study is "defining it as" a method to improve communication skills."

What are some alternatives to "defining it as"?

Alternatives include "describing it as", "characterizing it as", or "identifying it as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "defining it as" and "describe it as"?

"Defining it as" implies a formal or precise meaning, while "describe it as" suggests a more general or subjective account. The choice depends on the context and your intent.

When is it appropriate to use "defining it as" in academic writing?

It is appropriate to use "defining it as" in academic writing when you need to establish a clear and specific definition for a term or concept that is central to your argument or analysis.