he defines

USAGE SUMMARY

"he defines" is a grammatically correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to a person giving a definition of a word or concept. Example: He defines success as the attainment of one's goals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He defines cool.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(One may wonder how he defines partnership).

The Economist

And he defines this team.

The New York Times - Sports

He defines himself by everything he does".

The New York Times - Sports

Regardless, now he defines himself as a skier, he says.

The New York Times

He defines not only his age, but our own.

Princeton University

He defines influence "as literary love, tempered by defence".

The Guardian - Books

He defines the condition as "half anxiety, half depression".

The New York Times

But he has left deliberately ambiguous how he defines "tolerate".

The New York Times

He defines himself first and foremost as a Democrat".

The New York Times

He defines the bank's lending practices as "defensive".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "he defines" with a clear and concise statement of the definition. Avoid jargon or overly complex language that could obscure the meaning. Aim for simplicity and precision in your definition.

Common error

A common mistake is to use overly complex language or jargon when stating what someone "defines". Aim for clarity and simplicity to ensure the definition is easily understood. For example, instead of saying "He defines quantum entanglement as the non-classical correlation between subsystems", try "He defines quantum entanglement as a connection between particles, even when they are far apart."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he defines" typically functions as a verb phrase introducing a definition or explanation provided by a specific individual. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its role in attributing a particular meaning or interpretation to someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

27%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he defines" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a definition or explanation attributed to a specific person. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While generally neutral to formal, its clarity and attribution-focused purpose make it a valuable tool in both writing and communication. Remember to ensure clarity in pronoun references and avoid overcomplicating definitions for optimal impact. It is a very common phrase across different sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he specifies

This alternative changes the verb to "specifies", implying a more detailed and precise definition.

he clarifies

This alternative replaces "defines" with "clarifies", suggesting the removal of ambiguity.

he characterizes

This option uses "characterizes", indicating a description of essential qualities or traits.

he explains

Replacing "defines" with "explains" suggests providing reasons or causes, offering a more in-depth understanding.

he interprets

This alternative changes the verb to "interprets", implying a subjective understanding or explanation.

he delineates

This alternative employs "delineates", suggesting a clear and precise marking of boundaries or outlines.

he identifies

This option uses "identifies", focusing on recognizing or establishing something specific.

he determines

Replacing "defines" with "determines" suggests finding out or establishing something definitively.

he considers

This alternative changes the verb to "considers", implying a more contemplative or subjective assessment.

he understands as

This phrase highlights a particular interpretation or perspective on the meaning of something.

FAQs

How can I use "he defines" in a sentence?

You can use "he defines" to introduce someone's definition of a term or concept. For example, "He defines success as achieving personal fulfillment."

What are some alternatives to using "he defines"?

Alternatives include phrases like "he specifies", "he clarifies", or "he characterizes", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who "he" is when using "he defines"?

Yes, it's crucial for clarity to ensure your audience knows who "he" refers to. If the subject is not immediately obvious, provide context or explicitly name the person.

Can "he defines" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "he defines" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though the complexity of the definition itself may vary depending on the context.