to define that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to define that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a definition of something or to explain why something is important. For example: "It is important to define that the research methods used must be ethical in order to protect the rights of research participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They refused to define that phrase.

The New York Times

Although he subsequently declined to define that amount.

The New York Times

To define that strategy, we must make decisions based not on fear, but hard-earned wisdom.

The Guardian

Asked to define that job, Jones replied, "Ending the Taliban as a credible threat".

The New Yorker

Asked to define that phrase, Thomas said: "Give it your all on every single play.

The New York Times - Sports

And if Mike's questions generate more opportunities and more timely opportunities to define that direction, great.

The New York Times

"The courts have held that the words used in the lease to define that right are significant," Mr. Luxemburg said.

The New York Times

That was her secret - she was a creator of atmosphere.' But to define that atmosphere is less straightforward.

The Guardian - Books

The role of a national theatre is not to define that, but to throw open questions – to undefine it".

The Guardian

Which raises a key question: Who was to decide how, precisely, to define that "legitimate sphere of state sovereignty"?

The New York Times - Books

And to define that strategy, we have to make decisions based not on fear, but on hard-earned wisdom.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to define that" when you want to introduce a formal definition or clarify a specific concept. Ensure the definition is precise and unambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "to define that" followed by a vague or overly general explanation. The phrase implies precision, so the definition should be correspondingly specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to define that" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase used to introduce a definition or clarification. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves to specify or explain something, emphasizing precision. The examples in Ludwig show it is often followed by a particular job, phrase, strategy, or term that requires precise explanation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to define that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used infinitive phrase employed to introduce definitions or clarifications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to specify or explain something, emphasizing precision, with occurrences spanning news, science, and wiki contexts. While alternatives like "to clarify that" and "to explain that" exist, "to define that" is best suited when a formal, unambiguous definition is required. A key writing tip is to follow it with a specific explanation, avoiding vague or overly broad statements. It's a versatile phrase, readily found in academic, professional, and neutral registers, making it a valuable tool for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to clarify that

Replaces "define" with "clarify", focusing on making something easier to understand.

to explain that

Uses "explain" instead of "define", emphasizing a detailed account.

to specify that

Substitutes "define" with "specify", highlighting the act of stating something explicitly.

to articulate that

Replaces "define" with "articulate", focusing on expressing something clearly and effectively.

to delineate that

Uses "delineate" instead of "define", emphasizing the outlining or defining of boundaries.

to illustrate that

Substitutes "define" with "illustrate", highlighting the act of providing examples or visual aids.

to characterize that

Replaces "define" with "characterize", focusing on describing the distinctive features of something.

to interpret that

Uses "interpret" instead of "define", emphasizing the act of explaining the meaning of something.

to construe that

Substitutes "define" with "construe", highlighting a particular understanding or interpretation.

to elucidate that

Replaces "define" with "elucidate", focusing on making something clear and easy to understand.

FAQs

How do I use "to define that" in a sentence?

You can use "to define that" to introduce a definition or clarification, such as: "It is important "to define that" term before proceeding further."

What are some alternatives to "to define that"?

Alternatives include "to clarify that", "to explain that", or "to specify that" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "to define that" when introducing a definition?

No, it's not always necessary. You can also directly state the definition. "To define that" is useful when you want to emphasize the act of defining something.

What is the difference between "to define that" and "to describe that"?

"To define that" implies providing a precise meaning or scope, while "to describe that" involves giving a detailed account or impression without necessarily setting strict boundaries.