it define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it define" is not correct in written English.
It should be "it defines" to indicate the present tense of the verb. Example: "In this context, it defines the parameters of our discussion."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Apple Watch launched with so many features because Apple was willing to let it define its own role as determined by customers.

TechCrunch

It's not the story, its how we let it define us.

Huffington Post

Riggan's mistake was to let it define him".

The Guardian - Film

"We sure as hell won't let it define us".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Though the neighborhood had a reputation for violence, DuVernay didn't let it define her experience.

The Guardian - Film

Matt: "I don't feel this movie will define you unless you let it define you".

The Guardian - Music

What was their common guiding brief and how did it define signs of "extremism" and "radicalisation"?

The Guardian

Will it define the paper's direction under her in any sense?

The Guardian

There's this whole negotiation that goes on of how much you want to let it define you".

The New York Times

How will it define itself against BBC4 – whilst keeping edgy comedy out of the hands of BBC3?

The Guardian

Where did the language of modern life come from, and how does it define our sense of what is possible?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct verb form: "it defines", instead of "it define". This ensures grammatical accuracy and clarity in your writing.

Common error

Ensure the verb agrees with the subject in number. Using "it define" instead of "it defines" is a common mistake; double-check your subject-verb agreement to maintain grammatical correctness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it define" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it defines", where the verb agrees with the singular subject. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase requires correction to adhere to standard English grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it define" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "it defines". As Ludwig AI points out, subject-verb agreement is crucial. While the intention might be to express that something establishes or determines the characteristics of something else, the error detracts from clarity. Given the absence of examples, the correct form's usage would vary from neutral to formal depending on context. Always ensure verbs agree with their subjects to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it defines

Corrects the grammatical error by using the proper third-person singular present tense verb form.

it specifies

Emphasizes the action of clearly stating or identifying something.

it determines

Highlights the subject's role in deciding or establishing a particular outcome or characteristic.

it establishes

Focuses on the act of setting up or creating something definitively.

it characterizes

Indicates that the subject describes the typical qualities of something.

it delineates

Suggests that the subject clearly marks the boundaries or limits of something.

it explicates

Implies that the subject explains something in detail.

it elucidates

Indicates the subject makes something clear and easy to understand.

it clarifies

Focuses on the subject's ability to remove confusion or ambiguity.

it shapes

Highlights how the subject influences the form or nature of something.

FAQs

What is the correct form, "it define" or "it defines"?

The correct form is "it defines". The verb must agree with the singular subject "it". "It define" is grammatically incorrect.

How to use "it defines" in a sentence?

Use "it defines" when you want to say that something sets the boundaries, meaning, or characteristics of something else. For example, "In this context, "it defines" the scope of the project."

What can I say instead of "it defines"?

You can use alternatives like "it specifies", "it determines", or "it clarifies", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it define" or "they define"?

"They define" is correct because the plural subject "they" requires the base form of the verb. "It define" is incorrect; the correct form for the singular subject "it" is "it defines".