was defined to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was defined to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining a specific definition or concept in a formal or academic context. Example: "In mathematics, a circle was defined to be the set of all points in a plane that are equidistant from a given point, known as the center."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The wave propagating along the right direction was defined to be positive.

Nature

As seen from Fig. 1a, Tconset was defined to be 28.2 K for K3.17dibenzopentacene.

Nature

The area under this profile was defined to be the size of the visual span.

Vision Research

Analyses used two-tailed estimation of significance, an α-significance level of P < 0.05 was defined to be statistically significant.

Nature

The constant chosen was Planck's constant, which was defined to be equal to 6.6260693 × 10−34 joule second.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The expanding wave velocity was defined to be negative (Fig. 2b) and the contracting wave velocity (Fig. 2e) to be positive.

Nature

In addition, if only one of the paired end sequences were aligned to the assembly, the BES placement was defined to be an orphan placement.

Nature

This was defined to be a learning process through which the utility had to go.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

The FEM model was defined to be linear elastic and isotropic.

Progress in Orthodontics

First, the overall feature size was defined to be 120 by 130 mm.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The operation of multiplication was defined to be intersection, and this led to his first law, xy = yx.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was defined to be", ensure the definition is clear, concise, and appropriate for your audience. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the context in which the definition applies.

Common error

While "was defined to be" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound less direct. Consider rephrasing with an active voice construction when appropriate to enhance clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was defined to be" primarily functions as a verbal phrase used to introduce a formal definition or explanation of a concept. This can be observed in the Ludwig examples where different terms are assigned specific meanings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was defined to be" serves the purpose of formally introducing a definition or concept. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in scientific and academic writing. While it is valuable for establishing clarity, overusing passive voice should be avoided. Consider more direct alternatives when suitable. By understanding its function, context, and potential alternatives, writers can effectively use "was defined to be" to enhance the precision and clarity of their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was considered to be

This alternative implies a degree of subjectivity or general acceptance rather than a strict definition.

was understood as

This suggests an interpretation or comprehension of something, rather than a formal definition.

was designated as

This indicates a formal assignment or naming of something.

was characterized as

This highlights the key attributes or features used to describe something.

was identified as

This implies a process of recognition or discovery leading to a specific categorization.

was established as

Focuses on the act of setting up or proving something to be true or valid.

was known as

Indicates a common or recognized name or title for something.

was interpreted as

Emphasizes the subjective understanding or meaning attributed to something.

was regarded as

Suggests a particular opinion or viewpoint towards something.

was labeled as

This implies a categorization, often with potential connotations or limitations.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was defined to be" to sound more active?

You can use active voice constructions such as "the researchers defined it as", or "the criteria define it as". These alternatives make the sentence more direct.

What's a more formal alternative to "was defined to be"?

Alternatives like "was stipulated to be" or "was designated as" convey a higher level of formality, often used in legal or official contexts.

Is it better to use "was defined as" or "was defined to be"?

"Was defined as" is generally more concise and preferred. "Was defined to be" isn't incorrect, but can sometimes sound redundant. Context dictates which is more appropriate, though "was defined as" is often the better choice.

When is it appropriate to use "was defined to be" in academic writing?

It is appropriate when formally introducing a specific definition or concept, particularly when emphasizing the established nature of that definition within a field. For example, "In this study, 'success' "was defined to be" the achievement of specific milestones".