he defined that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he defined that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is explaining or clarifying a specific term, concept, or idea that has been previously mentioned. Example: "In his lecture, he defined that as the process of simplifying complex ideas into understandable terms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In his "Apologia"(1864), he defined that liberalism as the "anti-dogmatic principle".

The New York Times

He defined that less as a time period (ABC's "Lost" plays at 9) than a form: the experimental, breakthrough network show, like "Hill Street Blues," "St.

The New York Times

Singletary wants to be an old-school, smash-mouth team - he defined that style as a player - and the Niners upgraded their offensive line in the draft to that end.

The New York Times

He defined that as being able to cover costs after the expenditure of capital to build the systems.

Los Angeles Times

By example, he defined that it is not solely a matter of who the recipients of coal-fired plants localities are, but how efforts to clean up and move away from coal dependency are conducted.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

How would he define that?

The Guardian

But he has defined that story, and in some sense religious life itself, so narrowly that American Jews are all drafted by his book into conflicts that many may feel touch only peripherally on their religious lives.

The New York Times - Books

How does he define that particular alphabetical shift?

The Guardian

What's more, von Trier covers his tracks with a flourish of feminist rhetoric to defend Joe's and all women's freedom — even as he defines that freedom strictly in his own terms of constant libertine availability and doesn't grant women the freedom to pursue anything else, not as long as there are men in need.

The New Yorker

He defines that as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures or, as he once put it, comparing the cash in the register at the beginning of the day against the cash in it at the end of the day.

Forbes

Ernie Harwell, Mel Allen, Red Barber, Harry Kalas, Harry Caray, Jack Buck and Bob Prince defined that role.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he defined that" when you want to emphasize that someone has provided a specific, often formal, definition for a term or concept. Ensure that the context clearly establishes what "that" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "he defined that" if the reference for "that" is unclear or ambiguous. Always ensure that the term or concept being defined has been explicitly mentioned beforehand to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he defined that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a definition provided by a subject. It serves to highlight the act of clarification or specification. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he defined that" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, although it is relatively uncommon. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase serves to report a formal or specific definition provided by someone. It is suitable for neutral contexts, particularly in news, media and science. When using the phrase, ensure that the referent of "that" is clear and that a formal definition is indeed being conveyed. If a more general explanation is intended, alternatives like "he explained that" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he clarified that

This alternative shifts the focus slightly from providing a definition to making something already present clearer.

he explained that

This phrase is a more general way of saying that he provided information about something, not necessarily a formal definition.

he specified that

This indicates a more precise or detailed explanation was given.

he characterized that

This phrase highlights the act of describing the characteristics or qualities of something.

he described that

Similar to 'he explained that', but emphasizes the descriptive aspect of the communication.

he interpreted that

This implies an understanding or explanation of something that may be ambiguous or unclear.

he elucidated that

This suggests a thorough and illuminating explanation, making something easier to understand.

he detailed that

Focuses on the provision of detailed information about the subject.

he illustrated that

Emphasizes the use of examples or visual aids to clarify the concept.

he outlined that

This suggests a summary or a general overview of the key points.

FAQs

How can I use "he defined that" in a sentence?

Use "he defined that" to show someone clarified a term. For example, "In his speech, he defined that term as a core principle of the organization".

What are some alternatives to "he defined that"?

You can use alternatives like "he explained that", "he specified that", or "he characterized that" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he defined that as"?

Yes, "he defined that as" is a grammatically correct construction. For instance, "He defined that as a critical component of the strategy".

What's the difference between "he defined that" and "he explained that"?

"He defined that" suggests a formal definition was given, while "he explained that" implies a more general clarification or description.