it should be defined

USAGE SUMMARY

'it should be defined' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a concept should be more clearly outlined or explained. For example, "What constitutes success? It should be defined more clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"Others say no, it should be defined simply by the genetic gift".

The New York Times

Scientifically, there are strong disagreements about whether "coexistence" is possible, at what cost and even how it should be defined.

The New York Times

Stump: "Yeah!" Baim: "You're regaining control of that conversation, and you're defining it the way it should be defined".

The New Yorker

Few challenge the need for a federal structure in Ethiopia; many question whether it should be defined by race, and whether it is being fairly implemented.

The Economist

In May, Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league was warming to the idea of a minor league but "my personal view is it should be defined what the actual objective is".

The New York Times

However, it should be defined in non-physical signal applications.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Rob González, a former Sotheby's real-estate agent who is now an actor, said, "We don't believe that the government should be defining what the sharing economy is; we believe that the people who participate in it should be defining it".

The New Yorker

As McCain put it, "Neither party should be defined by pandering to the outer reaches of American politics".

The New Yorker

Nor is it a problem that should be defined by a war ten years ago.

The Guardian

That there should be no metaphors in it at all, nothing should be defined in terms of anything else – no vampire should be like a filthy leech, any more than a filthy leech should be like a vampire.

The Guardian - Books

Currently, there is disagreement as to the exact pathophysiology of asthma and therefore it remains unclear how asthma should be defined [ 11].

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it should be defined", ensure that the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands what needs clarification.

Common error

Avoid using "it should be defined" without a clear antecedent for "it". Without a clear reference, the sentence becomes unclear and the reader is left wondering what exactly needs to be defined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it should be defined" functions as a modal construction indicating a recommendation or necessity for providing a clear and precise definition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It expresses that a particular term, concept, or scope needs to be explicitly defined to avoid ambiguity or misunderstanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it should be defined" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that a term, concept, or area requires a precise and clear definition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to address potential ambiguity and ensure mutual understanding. Its usage spans across diverse fields such as science, news media, and formal business settings, reflecting its broad applicability. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide a clear reference for "it" to prevent vagueness and maintain coherence. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively use "it should be defined" to enhance the clarity and precision of their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it needs to be specified

Emphasizes the necessity of specifying details.

it requires clarification

Highlights the need for making something clearer.

a definition is necessary

States directly that a definition is required.

it warrants a definition

Suggests that a definition is justified or appropriate.

the term should be clarified

Focuses on clarifying a specific term.

clarification is needed

Highlights the need for making something clearer, in passive form.

we must define it

Indicates an obligation to define something.

a precise definition is required

Highlights the need for a more exact definition.

it is important to define

Highlights the importance of defining something.

the meaning should be established

Suggests that the meaning must be formally set.

FAQs

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

Use "it should be defined" to express that a term, concept, or process requires a clear and precise explanation. For example, "The scope of the project is ambiguous; "it should be defined" before we proceed".

What's a formal alternative to "it should be defined"?

In formal writing, you can use phrases like "a precise definition is required" or "clarification is necessary" to convey a similar meaning with a more formal tone.

Which is correct, "it should be defined" or "it needs to be defined"?

Both "it should be defined" and "it needs to be defined" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to express. "It should be defined" suggests a recommendation, while "it needs to be defined" implies a necessity.

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

While both phrases suggest a lack of clarity, ""it should be defined"" implies a need for a formal and precise definition, whereas "it should be clarified" suggests a need for making something easier to understand, potentially without a rigid definition.