it defines

USAGE SUMMARY

"it defines" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to emphasize the act of setting an exact meaning or understanding of something. For example: "The constitutional amendment clearly outlines the rights of citizens; it defines them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It defines its absence.

Huffington Post

It defines urgency.

The New York Times

It defines intent.

The New York Times

"It defines my life".

The New York Times

It defines you.

The Guardian - Books

It defines my landscape.

The Guardian

It defines him.

The New York Times - Sports

In effect it defines parallelism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet it defines a career.

The New York Times - Sports

It defines who they are.

The Economist

In part it defines them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it defines" to clearly establish the meaning, scope, or characteristics of a subject. For example, when explaining a complex concept, use "it defines" to specify its essential elements.

Common error

Avoid using "it defines" when a more precise verb like 'explains', 'illustrates', or 'describes' would better convey the intended meaning. "It defines" is most effective when you are setting a specific meaning or boundary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it defines" primarily functions as a declarative statement, attributing a defining quality or characteristic to a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to specify the meaning or nature of something. Examples show it clarifying concepts and establishing identities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it defines" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for specifying the characteristics or meaning of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to provide clarity and establish boundaries. While its usage spans diverse contexts, it is most commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic content. Alternatives such as "it specifies" or "it determines" can be used to fine-tune the intended meaning. Remember to use "it defines" when precision and clarity are crucial, but be mindful of contexts where alternative verbs might provide a more nuanced description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it specifies

Emphasizes providing detailed and explicit information.

it determines

Focuses on establishing something conclusively or authoritatively.

it characterizes

Highlights the identification of key attributes or features.

it delineates

Stresses the act of marking boundaries or limits.

it establishes

Implies setting something up in a firm or permanent way.

it clarifies

Focuses on making something easier to understand.

it identifies

Highlights the act of recognizing or pointing out something.

it dictates

Suggests an authoritative or controlling influence.

it governs

Emphasizes the power to control or regulate.

it constitutes

Focuses on the elements that make up something.

FAQs

How can I use "it defines" in a sentence?

Use "it defines" when you want to specify the meaning, nature, or scope of something. For example, "The contract "it defines" the terms of the agreement."

What can I say instead of "it defines"?

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

What does "it defines" mean?

"It defines" means that something establishes or sets the meaning, scope, or characteristics of a particular subject. It is used to provide clarity and specificity.

Is it correct to say "it defines"?

Yes, "it defines" is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides examples from reliable sources.