it is to be defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is to be defined" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something has not yet been defined or clarified and will be addressed later. Example: "In this document, the term 'sustainability' is to be defined in the following section."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Aesthetics must therefore cast its net more widely than the study either of beauty or of other aesthetic concepts if it is to discover the principles whereby it is to be defined.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hence, conceptual questions, such as whether obesity is a disease and how it is to be defined, pose a series of moral issues with bariatric surgery, especially for children and adolescents.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was last week asked to define what it is to be French.

The Guardian - Opinion

That, surely, depends on how we define what it is to be black.

The Guardian

"I think the future needs to be defined when it needs to be defined," he said at the news conference.

The New York Times - Sports

Before such an intervention can be advocated, however, it needs to be defined.

Critical Care

The bottom line is if these [bulbs] are emitting UV radiation of any amount, it needs to be defined, and it needs to be prevented".

Environmental Health Perspectives

Now, I believe it's going to be defined by our ability to converge industries".

The New York Times

It's going to be defined by what happened in Paris".

The Guardian

In this way, it is tried to be defined which load cases have been used in the analysis of designed buildings before 1998 according to the realization rate.

Engineering Failure Analysis

"The way we've positioned it now is it's really going to be defined by consumers and what their preference is".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is to be defined", ensure the subsequent text provides the definition. This structure signals to the reader that clarity is forthcoming.

Common error

Avoid using "it is to be defined" without actually providing the definition later in your writing. This can leave the reader confused and frustrated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is to be defined" functions as a declarative statement indicating that a definition for a particular subject will be provided later. As Ludwig AI suggests, this commonly occurs in academic and formal contexts to establish clear understanding.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is to be defined" is a grammatically correct and usable construction, though relatively rare in occurrence. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its purpose as a declarative statement that indicates an upcoming definition. It finds use across neutral registers, from academic texts to news media. When employing this phrase, ensure that a clear definition follows to maintain clarity and meet the reader's expectations. Consider alternatives like "it needs to be defined" for a more forceful tone or "it remains to be defined" when emphasizing the lack of an existing definition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it needs to be defined

Focuses on the necessity of defining something, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the requirement.

it remains to be defined

Highlights the aspect of something yet undefined, emphasizing the passage of time and the continued lack of definition.

it has to be defined

Emphasizes the obligation or requirement for something to be defined.

it should be defined

Suggests that defining something is advisable or recommended.

the definition is needed

Shifts the focus to the definition itself, rather than the act of defining.

clarification is required

Uses "clarification" instead of definition, emphasizing the need for making something clearer.

its meaning must be established

Focuses on establishing the meaning, a specific aspect of definition.

parameters must be specified

Highlights the specific parameters that need to be set, as part of defining something.

its scope needs delineation

Focuses on marking the limits or boundaries of something, contributing to its overall definition.

the criteria must be set

Focuses on setting the standards or benchmarks by which something will be defined or evaluated.

FAQs

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

Use "it is to be defined" when introducing a term or concept that you will explain in detail afterward. For instance, "The scope of this project, as

What phrases are similar to "it is to be defined"?

Similar phrases include "it needs to be defined", "it remains to be defined", and "it has to be defined". These all convey the idea that something requires further explanation or specification.

Is "it is to be defined" formal or informal?

"It is to be defined" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be appropriate in formal writing, but its overall suitability depends on the overall style and purpose of your text.

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

"It is to be defined" indicates a future action—the definition will be provided. "It is defined" indicates that a definition already exists or has been established.