have you defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have you defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring whether someone has established or clarified a particular term, concept, or idea. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, have you defined the key objectives we need to achieve?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Have you defined company values?

The New York Times

What new algorithms have you defined?

Princeton University

Have you defined your overall software architecture?

Princeton University

Have you defined key words and concepts early on?

The Guardian

How have you defined the board leadership role and how would you evaluate success?

Harvard University

A wall text by the Indian artist Rummana Hussain, who died in 1999, captures the prevailing refusal to deal in easy answers: "Have you defined her?

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Sorry bloke behind the counter, but I will not have you defining me any longer.

BBC

Diabetes status was defined by two methods: First, participants who answered "Yes" to the question "Do you have or have you had diabetes?" were defined as having diabetes.

Diabetes Care

Once you have zones defined, you then define Events.

TechCrunch

An affirmative answer to "Have you been diagnosed as having asthma by a physician?" and/or "Do you have, or have you ever had, asthma?" defined asthma [ 16].

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Until you have defined your distinctions, you can't get the most out of networking.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have you defined", ensure that the context makes it clear what specific concept, term, or objective should have been defined. Be precise to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience has a shared understanding of jargon or technical terms. If there's a chance of confusion, always ask "have you defined" key terms, or provide definitions upfront.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have you defined" functions as an interrogative clause used to inquire whether a definition for something has been established. It prompts clarification or confirmation of a specific meaning or scope. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

7%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have you defined" is a grammatically correct interrogative phrase used to ask if something has been clearly defined. According to Ludwig, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules and appears in a diverse array of contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. While the phrase is deemed "uncommon" in frequency, its usage is consistent and appropriate for prompting clarification of key terms or concepts. Remember to be precise and also consider the audience's understanding when using the phrase. Ludwig AI considers the phrase valid and useful for various purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did you define

Changes the tense from present perfect to simple past.

have you clarified

Replaces "defined" with a synonym emphasizing making something clearer.

have you established

Substitutes "defined" with a synonym that indicates setting something firmly in place.

have you specified

Replaces "defined" with a term suggesting a more detailed and precise explanation.

have you determined

Changes "defined" to indicate a more conclusive decision or finding.

have you identified

Replaces "defined" with a synonym emphasizing recognition or discovery.

what is your definition

Changes the phrasing to request the definition directly.

can you define

Shifts the query to a request for definition.

how do you define

Focuses on the method or manner of defining something.

could you define

Uses a more polite form to ask for a definition.

FAQs

How can I use "have you defined" in a sentence?

You can use "have you defined" to inquire whether someone has established a clear meaning or scope for something. For example: "Before starting, "have you defined" the project goals?"

What's a good alternative to "have you defined"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "have you defined" include "have you clarified", "have you specified", or "what is your definition".

Is it better to say "have you defined" or "did you define"?

Both "have you defined" and "did you define" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different implications. "Have you defined" implies relevance to the present, while "did you define" refers to a past action.

What does it mean to ask "Have you defined your values"?

Asking "Have you defined your values?" means inquiring whether someone has identified and articulated the core principles that guide their actions and decisions. If you do not, you can end up in a place that wasn't your goal.