which can be defined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which can be defined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something has a specific definition or can be explained in clear terms. Example: "The term 'sustainability' refers to practices which can be defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Scientific texts tend to have a well-defined structure, which can be defined as Introduction Development Conclusion [39].

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Neither of which can be defined as irony".

The New York Times - Magazine

They're hunting for prey in a concentrated area, which can be defined and examined".

The New Yorker

❄ There is something called "Faith" which can be defined as unjustified belief held in the teeth of the evidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

It embodies the urban policy of this regime, which can be defined by confiscation, expropriation, governmental incapacity, and the use of violence".

The New Yorker

Some of the common food materials are ellipsoidal in shape which can be defined by its length, breadth and thickness.

Biosystems Engineering

Norway has an increasing number of long and complicated road tunnel designs, which can be defined as complex sociotechnical systems.

Fire Safety Journal

The kind of vegetable grown is mainly determined by consumer demands, which can be defined in terms of variety, size, tenderness, flavour, freshness, and type of pack.

Britannica

Disease, which can be defined at the simplest level as any deviation from normal form and function, may either be associated with illness or be latent.

Britannica

Thus data interpretation is based on a discernible pattern of bone growth determined by cellular processes which can be defined qualitatively (deposition versus resorption).

Nature

First, note that fact is a kind of limit of an inductively-defined sequence of functions factn, n >= 0, each of which can be defined without recursion.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which can be defined" to introduce a specific definition or explanation of a term or concept. This clarifies meaning and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "which can be defined" excessively, as it can lead to a passive writing style. Instead, consider rephrasing the sentence to use a more active verb or a direct definition to enhance clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which can be defined" functions as a relative clause introducing a definition or explanation. This phrase is useful for clarifying the meaning of a term or concept within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which can be defined" serves as a relative clause to introduce definitions or explanations, predominantly within scientific, journalistic, and encyclopedic contexts. Ludwig AI attests to its correctness and usability. While alternatives like "that can be defined" exist, the choice between "which" and "that" hinges on whether the definition is essential (restrictive) or supplementary (nonrestrictive). Be mindful of passive voice overuse, and opt for active phrasing when feasible. The phrase's utility stems from its ability to clarify meaning, enhancing comprehension across diverse forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that can be defined

This alternative replaces "which" with "that", offering a slightly more direct phrasing but maintaining the same meaning.

that may be defined

Replaces "can" with "may", suggesting possibility rather than certainty of definition.

that allows for definition

Focuses on the permission or allowance of definition.

that permits definition

Similar to 'allows for definition' but slightly more formal.

that is definable

Changes the verb phrase to an adjective, emphasizing the inherent ability to be defined.

that is open to definition

Implies that the definition is not yet fixed and can be influenced.

that lends itself to definition

Emphasizes the inherent suitability of something for being defined.

which is susceptible to definition

Implies that definition is possible and perhaps even likely, but may also carry a slight connotation of vulnerability.

which is subject to definition

Suggests that the definition is imposed or applied externally.

which is amenable to definition

Uses a more formal and elaborate structure to convey the possibility of definition.

FAQs

How can I use "which can be defined" in a sentence?

Use "which can be defined" to introduce a definition or explanation. For example, "A heuristic, "which can be defined" as a mental shortcut, is often used to simplify complex problems."

What are some alternatives to "which can be defined"?

You can use alternatives like "that can be defined", "that is definable", or "that may be defined" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "which can be defined" or "that can be defined"?

Both "which can be defined" and "that can be defined" are grammatically correct. "Which" introduces nonrestrictive clauses, adding extra information, while "that" introduces restrictive clauses, essential to the sentence's meaning. Choose based on whether the definition is essential or additional information.

What is the difference between "can be defined" and "is defined as"?

"Can be defined" suggests a possibility or potential for definition, while "is defined as" presents a definitive, established definition. Use "is defined as" when providing a standard or accepted definition.