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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it defined that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "it defined that" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly as "define" is usually followed by a noun or a clause rather than "that" directly. Example: "The study defined the parameters of the research."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
It defined that man, and he drove it way, way too fast".
News & Media
Google doesn't specify how it defined that timeframe in this particular batch of numbers.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
The company claimed that its service sees over six million "interactions" per month — it defines that term as searches, health queries or patient-doctor communication — while it said its apps have been download 4.5 million times.
News & Media
Forget Project Merlin and how it's defined – that's damn impressive.
News & Media
It defines that as being pointed "so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage".
News & Media
But on its own terms "Rififi" is just about flawless: a genre movie brought off so keenly that it defines that genre's strengths and limits.
News & Media
Interpretation: It defines that a requirement r i may be assigned to any release before a specific release k q.
Interpretation: It defines that a requirement r i should not be assigned in the release k q.
Interpretation: It defines that a requirement r i may be assigned to any release after a specific release k q.
In this paper, it defines that VT is named by the node number, and CT is named by the two-terminal nodes and location terminal.
Ernie Harwell, Mel Allen, Red Barber, Harry Kalas, Harry Caray, Jack Buck and Bob Prince defined that role.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Avoid using the phrase "it defined that" in formal writing. Instead, use more grammatically correct alternatives such as "it specified that" or "it determined that".
Common error
The verb 'define' typically requires a noun or a noun phrase as its direct object, not 'that' followed by a clause. Using 'define' in this way can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it defined that" attempts to function as a declarative statement, where "it" refers to a subject, "defined" is the verb, and "that" introduces a clause. However, according to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically incorrect because 'define' requires a noun or noun phrase as its direct object.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "it defined that" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. Ludwig AI indicates the verb 'define' typically requires a noun or noun phrase as its direct object. Although there are some instances in news and scientific articles, it's best to opt for more grammatically sound alternatives like "it specified that", "it determined that", or "it described that" to ensure clarity and correctness in your writing. Always consider the context and choose the phrase that accurately conveys the intended meaning.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it specified that
Replaces "defined" with a more precise term, focusing on detailed instructions or requirements.
it determined that
Emphasizes the act of reaching a conclusion or decision after consideration.
it described that
Focuses on providing an account or representation of something.
it designated that
Highlights the assignment of a specific role or function.
it identified that
Stresses the act of recognizing or establishing something's identity.
it decided that
Implies a formal or deliberate choice was made.
it explained that
Focuses on making something clear and understandable.
it clarified that
Emphasizes the removal of ambiguity or confusion.
it elucidated that
Highlights the provision of detailed explanation to illuminate a complex issue.
it established that
Focuses on setting something firmly in place or proving something to be true.
FAQs
What can I say instead of "it defined that"?
You can use alternatives like "it specified that", "it determined that", or "it described that" depending on the context.
Is "it defined that" grammatically correct?
No, "it defined that" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. The verb 'define' typically requires a noun or noun phrase as its direct object.
How to avoid using "it defined that" in writing?
Reframe the sentence to use a direct object after 'define', or use a different verb that fits the intended meaning, such as 'specify', 'determine', or 'describe'.
What's the difference between "it defined that" and "it specified that"?
"It defined that" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. "It specified that" is a grammatically correct alternative that means it provided detailed instructions or requirements.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested