they are defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are defined" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when explaining the meaning or characteristics of a term, concept, or item in a specific context. Example: "In the context of this study, the variables are defined as follows: X represents the independent variable, while Y denotes the dependent variable."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are defined as refugees.

The Economist

Because the relationships, they are defined.

The New Yorker

They are defined as connection units.

Journal of Cleaner Production

They are defined by the worst thing they've ever done.

The Washington Post

They are defined as aliases in the resource file abc.rc.

University of California, Berkeley

They are defined by zygolophodont molars (see photo below).

University of California, Berkeley

They are defined as partially restrained seismically isolated (PRS I bridges.

Engineering Structures

They are defined according to a virological definition.

Antibiotiques

After all, subcultures aren't defined by outsiders passing judgment; they are defined by participants.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are defined almost entirely by their irritability, their professions and their one-liners.

The New York Times

We talk about the conventions of games, and how they are defined and constrained by them.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place the definition as close as possible to the first mention of the term.

Common error

Avoid using "they are defined" without providing sufficient context for the reader to understand what "they" refers to. Ensure the referent is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are defined" functions as a definitional statement, introducing a specific meaning or set of characteristics attributed to a subject. Ludwig examples show its usage across various academic and professional fields. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

27%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are defined" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to provide clarity and precision in various contexts. Ludwig examples show that this phrase is most common in scientific, news, and academic writing. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used when explaining meanings. When using "they are defined", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the definition is contextually relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they're characterized

This alternative emphasizes the act of describing the qualities or peculiarities of something.

they are specified

This alternative focuses on providing detailed and explicit information.

they are identified

This alternative highlights the act of recognizing and designating specific items or concepts.

they are designated

This alternative stresses the official or formal assignment of a role or characteristic.

they are known as

This alternative focuses on common or recognized names or labels.

they are described as

This alternative emphasizes the act of portraying or representing something in words.

they are classified as

This alternative refers to assigning entities to particular categories.

they are considered to be

This alternative highlights a general opinion or assessment of the entities.

they are understood as

This alternative stresses the interpretation and comprehension of the entities.

their definition is

This alternative presents the definition directly, shifting the focus to the concept of definition itself.

FAQs

How can I use "they are defined" in a sentence?

Use "they are defined" to introduce a formal or specific definition of a term or concept. For example, "In this study, variables are defined as factors influencing the outcome."

What is a more formal alternative to "they are defined"?

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "they are specified" or "they are characterized", which convey a higher degree of precision and detail.

What is the difference between "they are defined" and "they are described"?

"They are defined" implies a precise and formal explanation, while "they are described" suggests a more general or descriptive account. Use "they are defined" when precision matters.

How can I ensure clarity when using "they are defined"?

To ensure clarity, immediately follow "they are defined" with the actual definition or explanation. Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating what "they" refers to.