were defined by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were defined by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the characteristics or qualities that characterize a subject or concept, often in a historical or analytical context. Example: "The cultural practices of the region were defined by a rich history of traditions and rituals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The people, though, were defined by it.

The New Yorker

And Folau's tries were defined by two people.

The Guardian - Sport

They were defined by, and proud of, their flagrant weakness".

The Guardian - Books

The different weeks of summer were defined by which area of the country came on holiday.

The Guardian - Sport

For years, colleges and universities in Division II were defined by what they were not.

The New York Times - Sports

Both were defined by the times; now they define those times for us.

The New Yorker

Segregationists thought people were defined by race, but didn't sensible people know better?

The New York Times

But youth culture was tribal then, and you were defined by your taste and beliefs.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That said, there was a reason they were defined by their potency up top.

The Guardian - Sport

Our childhoods were defined by the cultures of the two decades".

The New York Times

They shared something important in common: the female leads were defined by their gender.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were defined by", ensure you clearly state what factors or characteristics shaped the subject. This provides clarity and strengthens your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "were defined by" with an unclear subject. Be specific about what is being defined to prevent ambiguity and ensure your writing is precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were defined by" functions as a connector in sentences, establishing a relationship between a subject and the factors that shape or characterize it. Ludwig shows that it's used to specify the conditions or elements that determined the nature or scope of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Huffington Post

9%

Vice

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were defined by" serves to explain the characteristics, scope, or influencing factors of a subject. As shown by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, appearing commonly in science and news contexts, and is best suited for neutral to formal writing. To ensure clarity, it's important to explicitly state what shapes the subject when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were characterized by

Focuses on the qualities or features that distinguish something, rather than the factors that determine its nature.

were determined by

Emphasizes the factors that caused something to be the way it is, highlighting causality and influence.

were shaped by

Suggests an influence or molding process, where external factors gradually formed the nature of something.

were governed by

Indicates a set of rules, laws or principles that dictated the nature or behavior of something.

were dictated by

Implies a strong, forceful influence that left little room for alternative outcomes.

were influenced by

Highlights the impact or effect of external elements on the development or attributes of something.

were marked by

Focuses on specific features or events that were prominent or noticeable in something.

were established by

Refers to the origins or creation of something, emphasizing the process of setting it up or founding it.

were based on

Indicates the foundation or underlying principles upon which something was built or developed.

were rooted in

Suggests a deep origin or historical connection, emphasizing the long-term foundations of something.

FAQs

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

Use "were defined by" to explain what factors or attributes shaped a particular subject. For instance, "The borders of the country were defined by natural landmarks".

What are some alternatives to "were defined by"?

You can use alternatives like "were characterized by", "were shaped by", or "were determined by depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "were defined by" and "were determined by"?

"Were defined by" indicates the characteristics or boundaries of something, while "were determined by" suggests that something was caused or influenced by specific factors.

When is it appropriate to use "were defined by" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you need to explain or analyze the factors that shaped or characterized a subject, providing a clear and analytical perspective.