he was defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how someone or something has been characterized or described, often in a specific context. Example: "In the report, he was defined as a key contributor to the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The presence of minimal HE was defined by the presence of at least 2 abnormal psychometric tests values (> 1.5 standard deviation), including the Trailmaking test B, in the absence of overt neurological manifestations, as reported [ 21].

BMC Gastroenterology

The beginning of an HE was defined as the time of the first of two consecutive MAP measurements ≤60 mm Hg, preceded by two consecutive MAP values above 60 mm Hg.

BMJ Open

The end of an HE was defined as the time of the first of two consecutive MAP measurements >60 mm Hg, preceded by two consecutive MAP values ≤60 mm Hg.

BMJ Open

He was defined by the things he believed.

The New Yorker

As a solo artist, he was defined, at first, by what he was not.

The Guardian - Music

Critic Pauline Kael put it astutely when she pointed out that he was defined (and hampered by) by his likeableness.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Some were worried that he was defining his government around such a red hot issue.

The Guardian

So he was defining communities as census tracks; and he only found.6% of census tracks in which that criteria could be met in the United States.

University of California, Berkeley

The Delta-He is defined as Ret-He minus RBC-He and is automatically calculated by the analyser [ 14].

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

I mean, he is defined by the act of writing.

The Guardian - Books

Peter Prescott says he is defined by his attention to detail.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "he was defined", ensure that the defining factors or characteristics are clearly stated within the context of your sentence to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "he was defined" without specifying what defined him. A vague statement lacks clarity and impact; always provide the defining characteristics or factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was defined" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject's identity, character, or role has been shaped or determined by external factors or internal qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was defined" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction to describe how an individual's character, role, or identity has been shaped. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English and suitable across various contexts, with a neutral register. While primarily found in news and media sources, it also appears in scientific and general writing. Remember to clearly specify the defining factors when using this phrase to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was characterized

Uses a different verb to indicate how someone was described or seen.

he was considered to be

Indicates a general opinion or assessment of the individual.

he was regarded as

Similar to 'considered to be', but suggests a more formal or respectful viewpoint.

he was known as

Focuses on the common perception or recognition of the individual.

he embodied

Suggests that he was a perfect example or representation of something.

his defining trait was

Highlights a specific quality or characteristic that stood out.

he was shaped by

Highlights the influences that molded his character or actions.

he was identified as

Emphasizes the act of recognizing or labeling someone in a certain way.

he was determined by

Focuses on external factors or forces that dictated his path or identity.

his essence was

Implies a deeper, more fundamental quality that defined him.

FAQs

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

Use "he was defined" to describe how someone's character, role, or essence was shaped or understood. For instance, "He was defined by his unwavering commitment to justice".

What can I say instead of "he was defined"?

Alternatives include "he was characterized", "he was known as", or "he was identified as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when using "he was defined"?

The choice depends on your focus. Active voice (e.g., "His experiences defined him") emphasizes the subject's influence, while passive voice (e.g., "He was defined by his experiences") emphasizes the object or defining factors. Both are grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "he was defined by" and "he defined himself as"?

"He was defined by" suggests external factors shaped his identity, while "he defined himself as" indicates a self-chosen description or role. The former implies external influence; the latter, self-determination.