it needs to be defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it needs to be defined' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea that something should be formally or officially stated or clarified. For example, "The exact scope of the project needs to be defined before we start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It needs to be defined as a disease," he said.

Independent

"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

"Khatib seems to be in tune with popular mood but the council feels that the initiative is all over the place and it needs to be defined in writing," the official said.

The Guardian

"The digital divide problem has been defined mainly in terms of access, but it needs to be defined more broadly as a matter of skill," said Karen Mossberger, an associate professor of political science at Kent State University in Ohio.

The New York Times

It needs to be defined like that.

Huffington Post

"So if that in fact is the case, I think that's wrong and I think we need to reexamine how we look at that film and perhaps it needs to be defined as something else and not an excellent piece of film making because it's a situation where a woman was victimized and then it was recorded and she was 19 and he was 48," she added. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In order to protect its purity, he said it needed to be defined and contained so as to avoid contamination from contemporary art, which he branded a vacuous pollutant.

Independent

(PhD, USA) Thus, the vagueness meant that it needed to be defined by those shaping the field.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

I felt like I needed to be defined in GSA, but I didn't.

Huffington Post

Subsequently, the space of every introduced random variable, i.e. the set of possible values that it can receive, needs to be defined.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

But what needs to be defined is the different forms it can take.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Make sure there is a subsequent action of actually defining it, otherwise just suggesting that "it needs to be defined" will leave the reader hanging.

Common error

Avoid using "it needs to be defined" in situations where the need for definition is already obvious or where the subject lacks clear boundaries. Instead, specify what aspects require definition to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it needs to be defined" functions as a declarative statement expressing the necessity of defining a particular subject or concept. It indicates that a clear and precise definition is lacking and required. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it needs to be defined" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that a term or concept requires a clear and precise explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While suitable for various contexts, it is most frequently encountered in scientific and news-related articles. To maximize clarity, ensure the subject is clearly identified and the reason for definition is evident. Consider alternatives like ""it requires clarification"" or "it should be specified" to tailor the expression to specific needs. Avoiding overuse in vague situations is crucial to maintain clarity and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it requires clarification

This alternative replaces "needs to be defined" with a more general term indicating a need for greater clarity.

it requires specification

This alternative emphasizes the need for something to be made more specific or detailed.

it requires delineation

This alternative suggests a need to clearly mark the boundaries or limits of something.

it should be clarified

This alternative uses a modal verb to express the recommendation for clarification.

it should be specified

This alternative uses a modal verb to express the recommendation for specification.

it warrants definition

This alternative replaces "needs to be" with "warrants", indicating that something justifies or deserves definition.

a definition is required

This alternative rephrases the sentence to emphasize the requirement of a definition.

it is essential to define

This alternative emphasizes the importance of defining something.

definition is necessary

This alternative is a concise way of saying that defining something is needed.

it demands precision

This alternative highlights the necessity for accuracy and exactness.

FAQs

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

Use "it needs to be defined" to express that a term, concept, or process requires a formal or clear explanation. For example: "The scope of the project "it needs to be defined" before we can allocate resources."

What are some alternatives to saying "it needs to be defined"?

Alternatives include "it requires clarification", "it requires specification", or "it should be clarified" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

The phrase "it needs to be defined" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "a definition is required" for added precision.

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

"It needs to be defined" suggests a fundamental explanation is missing, whereas "it needs to be clarified" implies there is an existing explanation that is unclear or ambiguous.