it can be defined as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase “it can be defined as” is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase in order to give a description or explanation of something. For example, "Success can be defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to De Felice, who coined the term nutraceutical, it can be defined as, "a food (or part of a food) that provides medical or health benefits, including the prevention and/or treatment of a disease" [ 92].

BioMed Research International

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

It can be defined as follows, (Physical layer rate region).

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

It can be defined as the ration between standard deviation over the wind speed.

Renewables: Wind, Water, and Solar

Usually, it can be defined as the number of ones of vector z=x⊕y.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It can be defined as the % of sensitive information masked before sharing data.

Journal of Big Data

It can be defined as an approach that facilitates analytical reasoning using interactive visual interfaces [6].

Complex & Intelligent Systems

As for intrinsic motivation, it can be defined as the experience of one's exposing his/her own talents or abilities.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can be defined as", ensure that the definition you provide is clear, concise, and appropriate for your target audience. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms if you're writing for a general audience.

Common error

Avoid defining a term using the term itself or other equally vague language. For instance, don't define 'leadership' as 'the ability to lead'. Instead, provide a concrete explanation of what leadership entails.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "it can be defined as" is to introduce a definition or explanation of a term or concept. This phrase is used to clarify the meaning of a subject, providing a framework for understanding, just as Ludwig AI notes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

76%

News & Media

12%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it can be defined as" serves as a robust and versatile tool for introducing definitions across a spectrum of contexts, predominantly within scientific and formal domains. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability for descriptions and explanations. The phrase's high frequency and consistent usage underscore its importance in academic discourse and professional communication. While alternatives such as ""it is characterized as"" or ""it may be described as"" offer subtle variations, the core function remains consistent: to establish clarity and shared understanding by articulating the meaning of a given term or concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is definable as

This alternative simply rephrases the original using a slightly different grammatical structure, maintaining near-identical meaning.

it is characterized as

Replaces 'defined' with 'characterized', shifting the focus slightly to describing key traits rather than setting a formal definition.

it may be described as

Uses 'described' instead of 'defined', implying a less formal and potentially more subjective explanation.

it is understood as

Shifts the emphasis to common understanding or interpretation, rather than a strict definition.

it is known as

Highlights the common name or label for something, rather than providing a detailed definition.

it is considered to be

This phrase introduces a common belief or viewpoint about the subject, offering a broader perspective rather than a strict definition.

it is essentially

This phrase indicates that the following description is a simplification or core aspect of the subject, deviating from a comprehensive definition.

it amounts to

This phrase is best used when simplifying complex concepts into plain language. The level of nuance is slightly diminished, reducing its likeness.

it embodies

This expression denotes it is acting as the best example of, moving away from a comprehensive definition to illustrate through example.

it serves as

This phrase is useful when discussing how something is acting in a certain context. This breaks away from defining something to show how something is being utilized.

FAQs

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

Use "it can be defined as" to introduce a formal or widely accepted definition of a term or concept. For example, "Quantum physics "it can be defined as" the study of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels."

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

Alternatives include "it is characterized as", "it may be described as", or "it is understood as". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "it can be defined as" formal or informal?

"It can be defined as" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic writing. For informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives.

What's the difference between "it can be defined as" and "it is defined as"?

"It can be defined as" suggests that there might be multiple possible definitions, while "it is defined as" implies a single, accepted definition. Use "it can be defined as" when acknowledging potential variations in definition.