to be defining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be defining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that serves to establish or clarify the meaning or nature of something else. Example: "The experiences we have in our formative years tend to be defining moments that shape our future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

A major obstacle to effective study seems to be defining and measuring stress.

The New York Times

The energy and fearlessness of youth appear to be defining features of young serial entrepreneurs.

The Guardian

His maverick and flamboyant style soon came to be defining characteristics of the glam rock period.

Independent

The response of Islamic political parties is likely to be defining in whether, and how, the unrest develops.

The Guardian

Testing though his first few sessions of prime minister's questions will be, they are unlikely to be defining.

The Economist

"Going into this Ashes series I thought there were going to be defining moments in our careers and there has been on the wrong side, unfortunately".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Jeb, on the other hand, appears--without saying so--to be defining multiculturalism in the way more often seen in Britain and Europe, whereby multiculturalism is the opposite of integration.

Huffington Post

Much remains to be defined.

The New Yorker

"I want to be defined by consistency.

The New York Times - Sports

Terms need to be defined first.

The Guardian

But some stars refuse to be defined.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be defining" when you want to express that something is in the process of establishing the essential nature or characteristics of something else. For example, "The team's innovative strategies seem "to be defining" a new era in marketing."

Common error

Avoid using "to be defining" when you intend to express a completed action of defining. "To define" indicates a finished act, while "to be defining" suggests an ongoing process. For example, instead of saying "This event is "to be defining" the year's success", say "This event will define the year's success".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be defining" primarily functions as part of an infinitive phrase. It is used with auxiliary verbs (like "is", "seems", "are") to express a continuous or ongoing action of defining. As shown by Ludwig, this typically denotes an action that is currently shaping or establishing something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be defining" is a grammatically correct infinitive phrase commonly used to describe an ongoing process of establishing the nature or characteristics of something. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and formal communications. The phrase is best used to convey the idea that something is currently shaping or establishing a particular outcome, rather than stating a completed definition. Remember to avoid using it when you intend to express a defined, finished action. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is valid and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to characterize

Focuses on identifying the distinguishing features of something, slightly more direct.

to delineate

Emphasizes outlining or defining the boundaries or scope of something, adding a sense of precision.

to identify

Focuses on recognizing or establishing what something is, differing in the act of recognizing.

to specify

Highlights providing explicit details or conditions, making it more precise.

to determine

Focuses on conclusively deciding or ascertaining something, implying a more definitive outcome.

to establish

Stresses setting up or creating something in a firm or permanent way, differing in the implication of long-term existence.

to exemplify

Focuses on serving as a typical example of something, highlighting representativeness.

to mark

Emphasizes indicating or distinguishing something, highlighting its noticeable presence.

to represent

Focuses on standing for or symbolizing something, changing the meaning slightly towards symbolism.

to typify

Emphasizes being a representative example of something, highlighting its role as a typical instance.

FAQs

How can I use "to be defining" in a sentence?

Use "to be defining" to indicate that something is currently establishing or shaping the nature of something else. For example, "The new policies seem "to be defining" the company's future direction".

What are some alternatives to "to be defining"?

Alternatives include "to characterize", "to delineate", or "to specify" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is defining" instead of "to be defining"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "Is defining" describes a present action, while "to be defining" describes a potential or intended action. For example, "The artist is defining a new style" (present action) versus "The goal is "to be defining" a new style" (intended action).

What is the difference between "to be defining" and "to define"?

"To define" is an action that completes the definition, while "to be defining" suggests the process or the potential of setting the definition. "The aim is "to define" clear goals" versus "The process seems "to be defining" the project's scope".