please define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please define" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want someone to explain the meaning of a term or concept. Example: "In our discussion about artificial intelligence, could you please define what you mean by 'machine learning'?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Please define advanced.

University of California, Berkeley

Can you please define the word "slag"?

The Guardian - Film

Would you please define "assets" for the purposes of Fafsa?

The New York Times

Please define your position on this point.

Yale University

If you do not recognise these as "harms" please define your term.

The Guardian - Opinion

If society sets safeguarding children at some special premium, can we please define that importance in an enduring way?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The quantity of water is clearly defined, could you please specify the quantity of cinnamon, turmeric and ginger too.

Harvard University

2) In Figure 1, please better define "n".

eLife

And please formerly define "purine content" and explain what is the expected value for it.

Biology Direct

Please specify.

BMC Health Services Research

Please clearly define that strain will add incremental value to current routine assessment with TDI in finding out individuals who may develop adverse myocardial fibrosis.

F1000Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please define" in formal writing, ensure the term you're asking about is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, "In the context of quantum physics, please define 'entanglement'".

Common error

Avoid using "please define" without specifying what term or concept needs defining. Saying simply "Please define" is incomplete and confusing. Always follow up with the term you would like clarified.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please define" functions as a polite imperative, used to request a definition or explanation of a term. Ludwig's examples show it is commonly used in academic, news, and scientific contexts. The Ludwig AI affirms its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "please define" is a grammatically correct and commonly used polite request for a definition or explanation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is appropriate in various contexts, ranging from formal academic and scientific writing to news articles and general communication. Key to its effective use is clearly specifying the term or concept requiring definition. While direct, it's more courteous than simply saying "define". When in doubt, ensure clarity by providing context for the term you want to be "defined". The phrase appears mostly in Science, News & Media and Academic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Can you give me a definition?

More conversational and less direct than "please define".

What's the definition of...?

Inquires about a specific term using a contraction, making it less formal.

What is your definition of...?

Directly asks for a personal or specific interpretation.

Provide a definition for...

More formal and direct, suitable for written requests.

Could you explain what you mean by...?

Focuses on clarifying a specific term or concept within a discussion.

Explain the meaning of...

More direct and less polite than "please define".

Define...

Most direct and concise form, omitting politeness markers.

Clarify the term...

Requests clarification, often implying some ambiguity exists.

What do you mean by...?

Seeks clarification of intent or usage, not necessarily a formal definition.

Tell me the meaning of...

A more informal and personal request for definition.

FAQs

How do I use "please define" in a sentence?

You can use "please define" to politely request the meaning of a word or phrase. For example, "Could you "please define" 'irony' for me?".

What are some alternatives to "please define"?

Alternatives include "can you explain", "what is the meaning of", or "could you clarify", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "please define" in formal writing?

Yes, "please define" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when introducing technical terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to the reader. Ensure you specify the term you're asking to be defined.

What's the difference between "please define" and "define"?

"Please define" is a polite request, while "define" is a direct command. Using "please" adds a level of courtesy, making it more suitable for requests.