defining of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'defining of' is not correct or usable in written English.
To make the phrase grammatically correct, it should be either 'defining' or 'the defining of.' For example, "The defining of the new policy is critical for the implementation of the change."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it is, in fact, heightened and defining of character".

The New York Times

At the moment I don't see the defining of policies clearly so that people understand.

The Guardian

They were quite defining of the 90s, and now they're disappearing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Similarly defining of elite sport is the display of awesome skill.

The Guardian - Sport

In a show dedicated to the defining of the human, Spock engages us constantly with the other than human.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Anxiety about personal attractiveness could never be thought defining of a man: a man can always be seen.

The Guardian

We were made morally comfortable by giving up such seeking and defining of "God" in exchange for a packaged, easier-to-follow arrangement.

The New York Times

"There's so much defining of one's individuality though food that people lose out on what food is really great for: bringing people together," she said.

The New Yorker

Showalter has no grand unifying tropes to offer, nor does she do much defining of key concepts like "role models" or "icons" or "an exemplary feminist life".

The New York Times - Books

The Bucks say they think Kukoc's championship rings are far more defining of his value than the points, rebounds and assists with which he fills the box score.

The New York Times - Sports

The point might have eluded Philip Freneau, but Mr. Bush appears content to make the important decisions himself, and leave the defining of civilization to others.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for grammatical precision, replace "defining of" with "the definition of" or a more suitable alternative like "defining". For example, instead of "The defining of the project scope", use "The definition of the project scope".

Common error

Avoid using "defining of" in formal writing. This phrase is grammatically incorrect and can undermine the credibility of your message. Always opt for grammatically sound alternatives such as "defining" or "the definition of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining of" functions as a noun modifier + preposition. While frequently used, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. Proper alternatives include using "the definition of" or restructuring the sentence to use "defining" as a gerund or adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "defining of" appears frequently across various sources, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect. Accurate alternatives such as "the definition of" or simply "defining" offer clearer and more credible ways to express the intended meaning. As such, it's best to avoid using "defining of" in formal contexts and always prefer grammatically sound alternatives to maintain clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the definition of

Adds the article "the" for grammatical correctness, referring to a specific instance of defining.

definition of

Changes the verb form to a noun, focusing on the act of defining.

defining characteristic of

Adds specificity by highlighting a characteristic that defines something.

defining feature of

Similar to "defining characteristic of", but emphasizes a particular feature.

determination of

Focuses on the process of determining or establishing something.

establishment of

Emphasizes the act of establishing or creating a definition.

specification of

Highlights the act of specifying details or defining precisely.

establishing of

Focuses on establishing the foundations of a definition.

identification of

Focuses on identifying or recognizing the definition.

characterization of

Emphasizes describing the character or qualities that define something.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "defining of" in a sentence?

The phrase "defining of" is generally grammatically incorrect. Instead, use "definition of" or the gerund "defining" to convey the intended meaning.

What are some alternatives to "defining of"?

Alternatives include "definition of", "defining characteristics", or simply using the present participle "defining" depending on the context.

Is it ever appropriate to use the phrase "defining of"?

While frequently encountered, the phrase "defining of" is grammatically unconventional. It is advisable to opt for more precise alternatives like "the definition of".

What's the difference between "defining of" and "definition of"?

"Defining of" is grammatically incorrect. "Definition of" is the correct noun phrase indicating the act or result of defining.