everything that defines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "everything that defines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the elements or factors that characterize or determine the nature of something. Example: "In this essay, I will explore everything that defines a successful leader, including communication skills, empathy, and vision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

John O'Farrell: It's a tough job for anyone, cramming everything that defines this country into one small publication.

The Guardian

To be sure, Hizbullah is Lebanese in everything that defines nationality, and it has cabinet ministers and members of parliament.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ms. Fitzpatrick, an underappreciated gem of an actress who knows how to give depth to quirky characters, is the skittish Madeline, who lives nervously in a Times Square apartment and seems afraid of just about everything that defines New York.

The New York Times

For four long years we've watched as this President has trampled on everything that defines us as a nation, and now tramples on his opponent, his predecessor and the truth itself in a desperate plea for four more years.

The New York Times

What, she asked, is the essence of a human being when everything that defines her humanity has been taken from her? "It was a battle, not only with the guerrillas, but with ourselves.

The Guardian

If you are looking to completely avoid the tourists downtown, the property offers a little bit of everything that defines the city: a restaurant featuring only local produce and seafood, LEED certification, Maine blueberry martinis and even a Tuesday afternoon doggy happy hour, where pampered pooches are served soy ice cream and biscuits.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"I decided I wanted to leave Kris vacant of everything that defined her," Carruth explains, "so when she starts to rebuild her life, she constantly wonders what might be missing".

The Guardian - Film

The mainstream printed press was the dogged reporting machine that gathered facts on everything that defined a community and made it tick, kept relentless watch on the shenanigans of municipal and state governments, and set in motion the stories that propelled local television news broadcasts.

University of California, Berkeley

Absurd, funny, sly and freakishly on target, Warhol seized on her appeal instantly, pinpointing everything that defined and has continued to define her screen presence: her beauty, talent, androgyny and ambition (she was excited about the publicity she had received for "Taxi Driver"), yes, but also a willingness to exploit her body and a taste, or perhaps instinct, for provocation.

The New York Times

In his book "The Annihilation of Lithuanian Jewry," he referred to the sum of holy scripture as the Book and wrote: "Jews were somehow able to part with everything that defined their place in life -- home, business, job -- but the one thing they could not part with was the Book".

The New York Times

Everything that defined the woman I once was centered around perceptions.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms such as "all that characterizes" or "everything that shapes" for variety in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "everything that defines" when only highlighting a few key aspects. Instead, use phrases like "some of the key aspects" or "several defining features" to avoid overstating the scope.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everything that defines" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or pronoun by specifying the complete set of characteristics or elements that constitute its identity. Ludwig examples show that it is used to enumerate the key aspects of a subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Huffington Post

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Vice

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "everything that defines" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to specify all the characteristics that constitute something's identity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly found across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. It's essential to use this phrase with clarity, ensuring the context explicitly indicates what is being defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider incorporating synonyms like "all that characterizes" or "everything that shapes" for variety and precision in your writing. However, avoid overgeneralization to maintain accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all that characterizes

Focuses on the qualities that distinguish something, similar to defining aspects.

everything that shapes

Emphasizes the formative influence on something's nature.

the essence of

Highlights the fundamental and intrinsic nature of something.

the defining characteristics of

More explicit and formal restatement of the core concept.

what constitutes

Focuses on the elements that compose something.

the hallmarks of

Emphasizes distinctive features or indicators.

the attributes that define

Stresses the qualities that determine something's identity.

the core elements of

Highlights the essential parts that comprise something.

the building blocks of

Metaphorically refers to the foundational components.

the intrinsic aspects of

Focuses on the inherent qualities of something.

FAQs

How can I use "everything that defines" in a sentence?

You can use "everything that defines" to describe the essential characteristics of something. For example, "In this essay, I will explore "everything that defines" a successful leader".

What are some alternatives to "everything that defines"?

Some alternatives include "all that characterizes", "everything that shapes", or "the essence of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "everything that defines" formal or informal?

"Everything that defines" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it is widely understood and grammatically sound.

How does "everything that defines" differ from "something that defines"?

"Everything that defines" implies a comprehensive set of characteristics, while "something that defines" suggests a single or a few defining aspects.