Purpose of ～とは in 「あなたにとって仕事とはなんでしょうか」


> あなたにとって仕事【しごと】 **とは** なんでしょうか

What is the purpose of `とは` above?  
Would using `は` alone have been any different?

If `とは` is a grammatical construct, I would appreciate additional examples
clarifying its significance.




“とは” introduces a definition.

“AとはBである” = “The definition of A is B”

In your example: “あなたにとって仕事 **とは** なんですか” = “How do you define jobs?” where
“What do you work for?” is implied.

“あなたにとって仕事 **は** なんですか” sounds awkward and is interpreted as “あなたの仕事はなんですか” (=
“What is your job?”).




“とは” introduces a definition.

“AとはBである” = “The definition of A is B”

In your example: “あなたにとって仕事 **とは** なんですか” = “How do you define jobs?” where
“What do you work for?” is implied.

“あなたにとって仕事 **は** なんですか” sounds awkward and is interpreted as “あなたの仕事はなんですか” (=
“What is your job?”).

