succeeded in defining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "succeeded in defining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the successful achievement of a clear definition or explanation of a concept or term. Example: "The researchers succeeded in defining the parameters of the study, which helped clarify the objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"She's succeeded in defining Murphy for what he is, a liberal career politician who's accomplished nothing".

The New York Times

INDEX: has succeeded in defining a constructive role from the start.

The New York Times - Arts

The project succeeded in defining a common set of criteria that are applicable to all currently implemented digital architectures.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

But Cruz has again succeeded in defining the position of the Republican Party on a major national issue.

The New Yorker

The results show that the proposed technique succeeded in defining the optimal operating points of the DGs that affect directly the total operating cost of the entire system.

Ain Shams Engineering Journal

Conservatives have largely succeeded in defining this as "strict constructionism", though it seems unlikely that the laws of our founding fathers were so unbalanced.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The immediate struggle is a race to see which side succeeds in defining Mr. Lazio first over the next few weeks.

The New York Times

Whether voters will again cotton to Mr. Kerrey, who decided to seek the seat after a fellow Democrat, Ben Nelson, opted to retire, will hinge largely on who succeeds in defining him over a short but almost certainly animated race, upon which the control of the Senate could turn.

The New York Times

Lewis, therefore, in fact succeeds in defining theoretical terms.

SEP

It is clearer, perhaps, that he does not succeed in defining the term this way, whatever his intentions.

SEP

If we do attempt to rely on the actual material worldlines, however, we will not succeed in defining global nows at all".

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "succeeded in defining" when you want to emphasize the successful outcome of a process aimed at establishing a clear and effective definition. For instance, "The team "succeeded in defining" the project scope after several rounds of discussion".

Common error

Avoid using other prepositions with "define" when you intend to convey a successful outcome. Phrases like "succeeded to define" or "succeeded on defining" are grammatically incorrect. Stick to "succeeded in defining" for accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "succeeded in defining" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful completion of the action of defining something. It emphasizes that an effort to provide a definition has been successfully accomplished. This is supported by Ludwig's examples where the phrase is used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "succeeded in defining" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that emphasizes the successful establishment of a clear definition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate across a variety of contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic writing. When using the expression, ensure to use the correct preposition "in" to avoid grammatical errors and consider alternatives like "successfully defined" or "managed to define" depending on your desired nuance. Understanding these best practices will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Successfully defined

Focuses on the successful act of defining, but without the emphasis on the process.

Managed to define

Highlights the effort involved in successfully defining something.

Effectively defined

Emphasizes the impact and clarity of the definition.

Succeeded at defining

A subtle shift in preposition, but functionally equivalent.

Was successful in defining

More verbose, but maintains the same meaning and emphasis on success.

Successfully clarified

Focuses on making something clear, rather than strictly defining it.

Nailed down the definition

An idiomatic alternative, suggesting a firm and precise definition.

Precisely delineated

Emphasizes accuracy and detail in the definition.

Accurately characterized

Focuses on providing a correct description, closely related to defining.

Established a clear definition

Highlights the establishment of a definition rather than the act of achieving it.

FAQs

How can I use "succeeded in defining" in a sentence?

You can use "succeeded in defining" to describe the successful establishment of a clear definition. For example, "The scientists "succeeded in defining" the new species' characteristics after extensive research."

What are some alternatives to "succeeded in defining"?

Some alternatives include "successfully defined", "managed to define", or "effectively defined", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "succeeded in defining" and "succeeded at defining"?

While both are understandable, "succeeded in defining" is generally preferred and more common. "Succeeded at defining" is less frequently used but still grammatically acceptable.

Which is correct, "succeeded in defining" or "succeeded to define"?

"Succeeded in defining" is correct. "Succeeded to define" implies a succession or inheritance, which is not the intended meaning when discussing defining something.