it can be defined

USAGE SUMMARY

"it can be defined" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe how something is explained or understood. For example, "The concept of justice can be defined in many ways."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the system is in equilibrium, it can be defined by its temperature, which can be measured at regular intervals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Privacy loses its value unless there's something it can be defined against.

The New Yorker

Franzen points out that privacy loses its value unless there is something it can be defined against.

Huffington Post

Its popularity is rooted on the fact that it can be defined either as a Type 0, 1 or 2 biomarker, depending on the given clinical setting.

Cardiovascular Diabetology

It can be defined, very loosely, only by what it is not.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her style, if it can be defined at all, might be described as an internationally savvy deep blues.

The New York Times - Arts

The cuisine, to the extent it can be defined, may be thought of as a country cousin of Cantonese.

The New York Times - Magazine

Exactly what constitutes a city symphony is somewhat fluid, but broadly speaking it can be defined as a poetic, experimental documentary that presents a portrait of daily life within a city while attempting to capture something of the city's spirit.

The Guardian

"He was very lucky, it can be defined as a miracle," Benítez told local media the next day, before promising – outlandishly, it seemed – that he would have Claros ready to play football again within three weeks.

The Guardian - Sport

Mathematically, it can be defined as.

Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems

It can be defined as follows:  .

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can be defined", ensure that the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by providing a specific subject before using the phrase.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "it can be defined" in your writing. While grammatically correct, excessive passive voice can make your writing sound less direct and less engaging. Consider using active voice where appropriate for a more dynamic style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be defined" functions as a grammatical construction used to introduce a definition or explanation of a concept. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples demonstrate its usage across different subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can be defined" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for introducing definitions across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to explain or clarify concepts, most commonly in scientific and news-related content. While versatile, mindful use is needed to avoid overusing passive voice. Consider related phrases to diversify writing and make it more appealing. Given its frequent use and diverse application, mastering the phrase contributes to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can be characterized

Focuses on describing essential qualities rather than a formal definition.

it can be described

Emphasizes a descriptive account, potentially less precise than a definition.

it can be understood

Shifts the focus to comprehension rather than a strict definition.

it is possible to define

Highlights the possibility of definition, adding a layer of contingency.

a definition can be given

Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the existence of a definition.

it can be interpreted as

Focuses on a specific interpretation rather than a general definition.

one could define it as

Introduces a sense of subjectivity or personal perspective in the definition.

it can be seen as

Emphasizes a particular viewpoint or perspective on the subject.

we can define it as

Highlights the act of defining and the definer, rather than just the object being defined.

it can be conceptualized as

Focuses on forming a mental concept or idea of something rather than strictly defining it.

FAQs

How can I use "it can be defined" in a sentence?

Use "it can be defined" to introduce a definition or explanation of a concept. For example, "In mathematics, a prime number "it can be defined" as a number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself."

What are some alternatives to saying "it can be defined"?

You can use phrases like "it can be described", "it can be characterized", or "it can be understood" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when defining something?

While "it can be defined" is grammatically correct, using active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct. For example, instead of "it can be defined as...", you could say "we define it as..." or "scientists define it as..."

What does it mean when something is said that "it cannot be defined"?

When something is said that "it cannot be defined", it typically implies that the concept is either too abstract, subjective, or complex to be captured by a precise and universally accepted definition.