may be defined as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be defined as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining or clarifying the meaning of a term or concept in a formal context. Example: "In the context of biology, a species may be defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Globalisation may be defined as when trade across nations is growing faster than GDP.

The Guardian - Business

Services may be defined as activities designed to enable personnel or material to perform more effectively.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Incidental inscriptions may be defined as those not seriously meant for preservation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Imitation may be defined as behaviour that selectively duplicates that of another person.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Roughly speaking, ch'ao may be defined as a big fire-shallow-fat-continual-stirring-quick-frying-of-cut-up-material with wet seasoning.

The New York Times - Magazine

Household food security may be defined as households having adequate resources and access to be able to buy healthy, affordable food at all times.

The Guardian

A continent may be defined as a large, contiguous land mass, sans the islands off its coast.

The New York Times

Political culture may be defined as the political psychology of a country or nation (or subgroup thereof).

Encyclopedia Britannica

More broadly it may be defined as a series of equal payments over equal intervals of time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And so in the mid-18th century what may be defined as children's literature was at last developing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The points fL and fR may be defined as corresponding points because they have the same retinal direction values.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering multiple definitions, or a less strict one, prefer weaker alternatives to "may be defined as", such as "can be seen as".

Common error

While "may be defined as" is acceptable, avoid overusing passive voice constructions. If appropriate, rephrase to use an active voice for a more direct and engaging tone, such as "we define X as Y."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be defined as" serves as an introductory phrase to provide a definition for a term or concept. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, including scientific, encyclopedic, and news media. The phrase signals that what follows is a specific explanation or meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

Encyclopedias

24%

News & Media

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may be defined as" is a highly versatile and common expression used to introduce definitions, particularly in formal contexts like scientific and academic writing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While it effectively introduces definitions, consider alternatives such as "can be described as" or "is understood as" for varied expression. Be mindful of overusing passive voice and ensure the definition aligns with the intended context. This phrase is a valuable tool for clear and precise communication across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be characterized as

This alternative emphasizes the act of characterizing or describing the subject.

can be described as

This alternative focuses on providing a descriptive account of the subject.

can be considered as

This suggests a particular viewpoint or assessment of the subject.

is understood as

This highlights the common understanding or interpretation of the subject.

is known as

This implies that the subject is recognized by a specific name or term.

is regarded as

This indicates a specific opinion or assessment of the subject's qualities.

is viewed as

This emphasizes a particular perspective or outlook on the subject.

is classified as

This alternative stresses the categorization or grouping of the subject.

is interpreted as

This highlights the process of assigning meaning or significance to the subject.

is identified as

This focuses on recognizing or distinguishing the subject from others.

FAQs

How can I use "may be defined as" in a sentence?

The phrase "may be defined as" is typically used to introduce a definition. For example: "In this context, resilience "may be defined as" the ability to recover quickly from difficulties."

What are some alternatives to "may be defined as"?

You can use alternatives like "can be described as", "can be characterized as", or "is understood as" depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to use "may be defined as" or "can be defined as"?

Both "may be defined as" and "can be defined as" are formal. However, "may be defined as" sometimes implies that the definition is one of several possible definitions, while "can be defined as" suggests a more generally accepted definition.

When is it appropriate to use "may be defined as" instead of providing a direct definition?

Use "may be defined as" when presenting a specific or potentially nuanced definition that isn't universally accepted. This phrasing indicates that the definition is valid within a particular context or according to a specific source.