1. Introduction

Knowing how to give good definitions is important for anyone speaking or writing about their field, their work in this field, or research they have done. It is crucial to give clear definitions when giving a presentation, or when writing a report, semester paper or thesis. This is known as defining the terms one is using, so listeners and readers will understand exactly what one is talking about. Giving good definitions of terms is a sign of clear thinking, mastery of the topic one is talking or writing about, and understanding of what one´s audience might need to have clarified.

Contents

  • Giving simple definitions: A hospital is a place where patients receive medical treatment.
  • Giving expanded definitions: A thermocouple can be defined as a small heat-sensitive electrical device consisting of two wires made of dissimilar metals which is used for measuring changes in temperature and is frequently found in heating and cooling systems.
  • Phrases for introducing examples: such as, for example, for instance, like, one of the best-known examples is…, to illustrate, a case in point is…
  • Related grammar: Relative clauses and use of commas. Order of adjectives used as pre-modifiers.