was defined by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was defined by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the characteristics or qualities that establish the identity or nature of something. Example: "The success of the project was defined by its innovative approach and collaborative efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was defined by hardware.

The New Yorker

"Artwork was defined by its ideological value.

The New York Times - Arts

This episode was defined by looks.

The Guardian

Consequently, my childhood was defined by race.

The Guardian - Opinion

Morgan-Davies's childhood was defined by isolation.

The New Yorker

Truth was defined by the leader.

The Washington Post

Mild AP was defined by exclusion.

Pancreatology

Before then, land was defined by ownership or utility.

The New York Times - Arts

Her life was defined by her need not to cry.

The New York Times - Health

He was defined by the things he believed.

The New Yorker

But that life hardly was defined by them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was defined by", ensure that the defining characteristics or factors are clearly and specifically stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was defined by" with overly broad or vague terms. Instead, specify the precise elements that shaped or determined the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was defined by" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject with a defining attribute or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use, highlighting its grammatical correctness and versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was defined by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the defining characteristics or determinants of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While the phrase maintains a generally neutral to formal tone, writers should ensure that the defining characteristics are explicitly stated. Alternative phrases such as "was characterized by" or "was determined by" can be used to add nuance or emphasis to the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was characterized by

Focuses on the typical qualities or features that distinguished something.

was determined by

Highlights the factors that directly influenced or controlled the outcome or nature of something.

was shaped by

Emphasizes the formative influence that something had on the subject.

was marked by

Indicates notable features or events that set something apart.

was dictated by

Stresses that something was forcefully or authoritatively controlled by a specific factor.

was governed by

Suggests that something was regulated or controlled by a set of rules or principles.

was contingent upon

Highlights that something depended on certain conditions or factors.

was influenced by

Indicates that something was affected or altered by external factors.

was molded by

Suggests that something was gradually shaped or formed over time by certain influences.

was constituted by

Emphasizes the elements or components that formed or composed something.

FAQs

How can I use "was defined by" in a sentence?

Use "was defined by" to indicate the key characteristics or factors that shaped something, such as, "The project's success was defined by its innovative approach."

What are some alternatives to "was defined by"?

You can use alternatives such as "was characterized by", "was determined by", or "was shaped by" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "was defined by" or "was determined by"?

Both phrases are correct, but "was determined by" implies a stronger causal relationship, while "was defined by" simply indicates defining characteristics.

Can "was defined by" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "was defined by" is suitable for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and widely used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts.