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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
provides definition
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "provides definition" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the act of explaining or clarifying the meaning of a term or concept. For example, "The textbook provides definition for key terms in the chapter." Alternative expressions include "offers a definition" and "gives a definition."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Academia
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
(Table 7 provides definition for the abbreviations used).
Figure 3 shows the tornado diagram of factors influencing the base-case findings (Table 5 provides definition for the abbreviations used).
The petiolule elongation displayed by E08 transformants reveals and provides definition to an additional variable trait to be found in Fragaria, thus adding to the useful trait catalogue contributed by Slovin et al. [ 28].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
This chapter provides definitions for different types of loads.
Provides definitions, pictures, audio and video examples to help illustrate terms.
Academia
The Appendix in this paper provides definitions and units for various HITRAN parameters.
Academia
Paragraph (d)(4) of this section provides definitions of terms applicable to paragraph (d)(3).
Academia
This chapter provides definitions of Priority and explains different priority levels.
Region by region, plate by plate and glass by glass, it provides definitions and background for thousands of items.
News & Media
When readers ask about a word, Wordnik provides definitions on the left-hand side of the screen.
News & Media
The color-coded timeline depicts crucial events from February 2007 through March 2009 in presenting an overview of the crisis, and provides definitions for important financial terms like subprime mortgage.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider using the plural form "provides definitions" if the source explains more than one term, as this is more common in standard English.
Common error
Avoid omitting the article in non-technical writing. While "Table 7 provides definition" is acceptable in scientific shorthand, in standard prose you should write "the chapter provides a definition" to ensure proper noun phrase structure.
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "provides definition" acts as a transitive verb phrase where the verb "provides" takes the noun "definition" as its direct object. In the linguistic data from Ludwig, it is frequently used to link a source of information (like a table or a section) to its explanatory content. Ludwig AI identifies this as a standard way to introduce clarifying data in professional documents.
Frequent in
Science
50%
Academia
30%
Formal & Business
15%
Less common in
News & Media
3%
Wiki
1%
Social Media
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "provides definition" is a highly specialized expression most commonly found in scientific and academic literature. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and effective way to direct readers to explanatory content, particularly when referring to figures, tables, or appendices. While the plural version "provides definitions" or the version with an article "provides a definition" are more frequent in general prose, the query remains a standard shorthand in technical documentation. It is most frequently used in Science and Academia to establish clarity and ensure that all technical parameters are strictly defined for the reader.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
defines
More concise and direct verb form
offers a definition
Includes the indefinite article for smoother flow in general prose
presents a definition
Suggests a formal introduction of a concept
gives a definition
Slightly less formal than provides
establishes a definition
Implies setting a standard for the term's use in a specific context
sets out a definition
Common in legal or technical documentation
serves to define
Focuses on the function of the sentence or section
furnishes a definition
A more sophisticated, though rarer, academic alternative
explains the term
Broadens the scope from a formal definition to a general explanation
outlines the meaning
Suggests a summary rather than a precise technical definition
FAQs
How to use "provides definition" in a sentence?
You can use it to point readers toward a clarification of terms, for example: "This section "provides definition" for the acronyms used throughout the report."
What can I say instead of "provides definition"?
Depending on your tone, you can use "defines" for brevity, or "offers a definition" for a more natural flow.
Which is correct, "provides definition" or "provides a definition"?
Both are correct, but "provides a definition" is generally preferred in narrative writing, whereas "provides definition" often appears in scientific labels or captions.
What is the difference between "provides definition" and "defines"?
While "defines" is a direct action, "provides definition" implies that the subject (like a table or a book) contains the information for the reader to find.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
94%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested