so defined

USAGE SUMMARY

"so defined" is a perfectly acceptable phrase that can be used in written English.
It is commonly used in legal and technical writing to move a sentence forward and to clarify the definition of something. For example: "A contract, so defined, is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're just so defined".

The New York Times - Sports

When so defined the current is called conventional current.

Britannica

Potential genius, so defined, may go unrecognized or underutilized.

Britannica

That's acceptable on an album so defined by intelligent restraint.

The New York Times - Arts

Knowledge so defined admits of three degrees, according to Locke.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No team has an identity so defined, a collective purpose so clear.

The Guardian - Sport

For heroines of the Jane Austen ilk to be so defined would have been gratuitous.

The Guardian - Opinion

Any objective that can be so defined, he said in a recent interview, is appropriate.

The New York Times

No other country in the Middle East is quite so defined by its leader.

The Guardian

My head, my arms — and they were so defined it was crazy.

The New Yorker

Formative assessment, so defined, is a pivotal element of everyday classroom teaching.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so defined" to clearly refer back to a specific definition you've already provided, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "so defined" in very simple sentences where the definition is immediately obvious, as it can make the writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Opt for more concise phrasing when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so defined" serves as an adverbial modifier, clarifying that the term or concept being discussed is being used according to a specific definition previously stated. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so defined" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, especially in formal and scientific writing. As Ludwig AI illustrates, it functions as an adverbial modifier to explicitly refer back to a specific, previously stated definition, ensuring clarity and precision. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in simple sentences where the meaning is already clear. Alternatives like "as defined" and "thus defined" can be used depending on the context. The phrase's prevalence across sources like Britannica, The New York Times, and academic journals underscores its authority and utility in formal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as defined

Omits "so", creating a more concise phrasing.

thus defined

Replaces "so" with "thus", indicating a consequence of the definition.

according to this definition

Emphasizes adherence to a specific definition.

by this definition

Highlights the definition itself as the basis for the statement.

given this definition

Indicates that the statement is based on the provided definition.

in this definition

Specifies that the definition is within the current context.

in the aforementioned definition

Refers back to a previously stated definition.

as specified

Emphasizes that the meaning of the term or expression is explained clearly and exactly.

as described

Shifts focus from definition to description, implying a broader explanation.

when defined in this way

Highlights the manner in which something has been defined.

FAQs

How can I use "so defined" in a sentence?

Use "so defined" after a term or concept to refer back to its specific definition that you have provided earlier in your text. For instance: "A parameter, "so defined", must have a value assigned."

What are some alternatives to "so defined"?

You can use alternatives such as "as defined", "thus defined", or "as specified" to convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the context and the nuance you want to express. For instance: instead of "The variable, so defined, is constant", you could say "The variable, "as defined", is constant".

Is "so defined" formal or informal?

"So defined" is generally considered formal and is suitable for academic, technical, and legal writing. In more casual contexts, simpler phrasing may be preferred.

What's the difference between "as defined" and "so defined"?

"As defined" is a general reference to a definition, while "so defined" specifically refers back to a particular definition already provided in the text. "As defined" could be used to introduce a definition, whereas "so defined" is used to reiterate a definition already made. For example: "Let's consider momentum "as defined" in physics. Momentum, "so defined", helps us understand collisions."