defining pieces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defining pieces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to essential or crucial components that shape or characterize something. Example: "The defining pieces of her argument were well-researched and compelling, making it difficult to refute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Both Utopia and Educating Yorkshire have been defining pieces in the creative renewal of Channel 4," declared Channel 4 chief creative officer Jay Hunt after the Emmy glory.

The Guardian

Don't be surprised if in short order it becomes one of the defining pieces of the Democratic agenda, both in Congress and on the presidential campaign trail.

The Washington Post

It's one of the defining pieces of new journalism, a rip-roaring ride through 1960s psychedelia in which Wolfe accompanies Kesey and the Pranksters across the States on a Day-Glo bus.

The Guardian - Books

His 1990 play, "Racing Demon", about the Church of England, remains one of the defining pieces of British theatre of recent decades and falls very firmly into the first category.

The Economist

It was the debut performance of what will surely go down as one of the defining pieces of music of the 21st century.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was a defining piece of the period.

The New York Times - Style

"It's very much a defining piece of what we are," he said.

The New York Times

Wes Brown's latest own-goal against Everton was a defining piece of self-harm: Sunderland have now scored against themselves six times.

The Guardian - Sport

At the time I thought he just meant that a magnificent piece of mud-slinging was about to come out – after all, Hague in a Thatcher wig was a defining piece of work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Richard Huntington, working on the Labour account at Saatchis, emailed me 10 days ago to say: "We are yet to witness a defining piece of work from any of the parties.

The Guardian - Opinion

(How do you ACCIDENTALLY sell a defining piece of your history?) The court ruled that the true owner was not the town of Wiscasset, but Richard L Adams Jr, who bought the document in 2001 for $475,000.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defining pieces" when you want to emphasize the fundamental and essential components that shape the overall character or understanding of something. Be precise in identifying what these pieces are and why they are defining.

Common error

Avoid using "defining pieces" in contexts where the elements are not genuinely essential or distinctive. Ensure the pieces you identify truly shape the overall nature of the subject, not just minor details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defining pieces" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "defining" modifies the noun "pieces". It typically identifies essential or characteristic components of a subject. Ludwig AI examples show its use in describing creative works, political agendas, and historical periods.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defining pieces" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize essential or characteristic components of a subject, particularly in news, media, science, and academia. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is uncommon, suggesting it's used selectively to highlight core elements. To enhance your writing, focus on using "defining pieces" when you need precision and impact, ensuring the selected elements genuinely shape the subject's overall nature. Be aware of the potential for vagueness, and consider alternatives like "key components" or "essential elements" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key components

Focuses on the essential parts that make up a whole.

essential elements

Highlights the indispensable aspects of something.

crucial aspects

Emphasizes the critical importance of certain features.

characteristic features

Highlights the typical and recognizable elements.

distinctive traits

Focuses on unique and distinguishing qualities.

defining attributes

Similar to defining pieces but uses a more formal word.

core ingredients

Emphasizes the fundamental and necessary elements.

integral parts

Highlights the essential and integrated components.

cornerstones

Highlights the basic and fundamental components.

building blocks

Emphasizes fundamental elements that construct the whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "defining pieces" to describe essential elements or components that characterize something. For example, "The "key components" of the software were its user interface and robust security features."

What are some alternatives to "defining pieces"?

Alternatives include "essential elements", "key aspects", or "crucial components" depending on the context.

Is "defining pieces" a formal or informal phrase?

"Defining pieces" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more suitable for analytical or descriptive writing. More informal alternatives are "main bits" or "key things".

What's the difference between "defining pieces" and "important parts"?

"Defining pieces" suggests that the elements are not only important but also fundamentally shape or characterize the whole, whereas "important parts" simply implies significance. The "essential elements" of a story define its themes.