that define

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that define" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to characteristics, qualities, or elements that establish the meaning or nature of something. Example: "The rules that define the game are essential for fair play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

TAS2R16 residues that define ligand specificity.

Nature

"It's the bits in between that define the localness.

The Guardian

For Penn, it is issues that define personality.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are pieces that define something fundamental about his music.

The Guardian - Music

I'm not having that define me.' Except it does.

The Guardian - Film

And it's their physical differences that define those worlds.

The Guardian

Who should be the customers that define our target market?

Harvard Business Review

It is the powers that be that define them.

The Guardian - Film

Then there are the brands that define this boutique market.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is these preferred tactics that define our influencing style.

Harvard Business Review

Such are the choices that define a leader.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that define", ensure the noun it modifies is clear and unambiguous to avoid confusion. For example, instead of "factors that define", specify "the key factors that define".

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple relative clauses using "that define" as this can lead to convoluted and difficult-to-read sentences. Break down complex sentences into simpler ones for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that define" functions as a relative clause, modifying a preceding noun by specifying its characteristics or qualities. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in identifying defining features across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that define" is a common and grammatically correct relative clause used to specify the characteristics or qualities of a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While it is generally versatile, writers should be mindful of sentence complexity and ensure clarity by avoiding overuse and maintaining a clear connection to the modified noun. Alternatives like "that characterize" or "that determine" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Overall, "that define" is a reliable tool for adding precision to writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that delineate

Focuses on marking the boundaries or limits of something more precisely.

that determine

Emphasizes the role of influencing or deciding the outcome or nature of something.

that characterize

Highlights the typical or distinctive features of something.

that establish

Suggests setting up or founding something in a firm or stable manner.

that specify

Implies stating something explicitly and in detail.

that identify

Focuses on recognizing or distinguishing something distinctly.

that define the essence

Adds emphasis to the core nature of something.

that set apart

Highlights qualities that make something different or unique.

that outline

Focuses on providing a summary of the key elements.

that encapsulate

Suggests summarizing or expressing the most important parts of something.

FAQs

How can I use "that define" in a sentence?

Use "that define" to introduce a relative clause that specifies the characteristics or qualities of a noun. For instance, "These are the principles "that define" our company's culture".

What are some alternatives to "that define"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "that characterize", "that determine", or "that establish" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "which define" or "that define"?

In defining relative clauses, "that" is generally preferred, especially in American English. "Which" is typically used in non-defining relative clauses, which provide additional but non-essential information.

What's the difference between "that define" and "that defines"?

"That define" is used when referring to a plural noun, while "that defines" is used with a singular noun. For example, "the rules "that define" the game" versus "the rule "that defines" the game".