is the term for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is the term for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when defining or explaining a specific word or phrase. Example: "Photosynthesis is the term for the process by which green plants convert sunlight into energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

COUVERTURE -- French for covering, it is the term for fine plain chocolate.

The New York Times - Food

Overseeding and aeration: Overseeding is the term for spreading fresh seed on established lawn.

The Washington Post

It is buah kurma, not buah tanggal, which is the term for chronological dates.

The New York Times - Food

What is the term for the permanently water-saturated region underground?

Britannica

(The name is the term for an energy effect that Jack Kirby was famous for illustrating).

The New York Times - Books

Heavy-handed is the term for the film's meshing of real and fake newsreels and home movies.

The New York Times

This is the term for a fork in the track, with the alternative branch a dead end.

The New Yorker

(Another clue: Cotard is the term for a delusion of people who believe that they are dead).

The New York Times

Plus, you get a clad look"—cladding is the term for overlapped planks—"not that vinyl look".

The New Yorker

Ichthyosis is the term for severe, persistent problems with dry skin that almost always start in childhood or infancy.

Harvard University

Zugzwang is the term for a situation in a game of chess where any move weakens a player's position.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is the term for", ensure you are providing a clear and concise definition that aids understanding. Avoid jargon or overly complex language that could confuse the reader.

Common error

Ensure your definition provides new information and doesn't simply reiterate the term itself. For example, avoid statements like, "X is the term for when something is X." Instead, provide a meaningful explanation of what X is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is the term for" serves as a definitional expression, introducing and clarifying specific vocabulary. As Ludwig AI points out, it's widely used to establish a connection between a concept and its corresponding term, enhancing clarity and precision in communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

24%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is the term for" serves as a crucial definitional tool across numerous disciplines. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and highly prevalent, especially in news, scientific, and academic settings. When utilizing this phrase, focus on clarity and avoid circular definitions to ensure effective communication. While alternatives such as "is defined as" or "is known as" exist, "is the term for" remains a direct and widely understood method for introducing vocabulary and clarifying concepts, making it a valuable asset in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is defined as

Focuses on a formal definition.

is known as

Highlights common or popular recognition.

is referred to as

Emphasizes the act of naming or identifying.

is called

A simple and direct way of stating the name of something.

is designated as

Suggests an official or formal assignment of a term.

is described as

Focuses on providing a descriptive explanation rather than a strict definition.

is understood to mean

Highlights the interpretation or common understanding of a term.

is characterized by

Focuses on the distinguishing features of the subject.

represents

Indicates that the term stands for or symbolizes something else.

can be defined as

Offers a more tentative or flexible definition.

FAQs

How can I use "is the term for" in a sentence?

Use "is the term for" when you want to clearly define a specific word or phrase. For example, "'Photosynthesis' "is the term for" the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy."

What are some alternatives to "is the term for"?

You can use alternatives such as "is defined as", "is known as", or "is referred to as" depending on the context.

When should I use "is the term for" versus "means"?

"Is the term for" is best used when introducing a specific or technical vocabulary. "Means" is more general and suitable for everyday language. For instance, "'Algorithm' "is the term for" a set of rules a computer follows", whereas "'Happy' means feeling joy."

Is it always necessary to use "is the term for" when defining something?

No, it's not always necessary. The choice depends on the context and the audience. If you are writing for a specialized audience, they might already know the term. If not, directly defining the term or using alternatives like "is called" or "is defined as" might be more appropriate.