Determine the extent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Determine the extent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to assess or measure the degree or scope of something, such as a problem, impact, or situation. Example: "Before proceeding with the project, we need to determine the extent of the damage caused by the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He will undergo a magnetic resonance imaging test today to determine the extent of the damage.

The New York Times - Sports

Quarantine zones were quickly established, as officials scrambled to determine the extent of the invasion.

The New York Times - Science

Political choices, not unstoppable economic forces will determine the extent of inequality in 2030.

The Guardian

He is currently waiting on further medical assessment to determine the extent of the postponement".

The Guardian - Sport

More examination of the works is needed to determine the extent of the damage.

The New York Times - Arts

He will have scans on Tuesday to determine the extent of the problem.

The Guardian - Sport

He will be re-examined to determine the extent of the injury.(Bloomberg News).

The New York Times - Sports

The segments containing PEPE determine the extent of crystallization.

Polymer

Investigators are trying to determine the extent of the support network for the would-be bombers.

The New York Times

The study described here aimed to determine the extent of this difference.

Nature

Blood samples were also routinely collected from herds to determine the extent of immunity.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determine the extent", clearly define what you are measuring (e.g., "determine the extent of damage", "determine the extent of the problem").

Common error

Avoid using "determine the extent" without a specific context. Always clarify what you are trying to measure or understand, such as "determine the extent of the project's impact on sales" rather than just "determine the extent".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "determine the extent" is as a verb phrase. It typically introduces a clause that specifies what is being assessed or measured. Ludwig's examples show it used to introduce a dependent clause explaining what impact, damage, or effect is being investigated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "determine the extent" is a versatile expression used to initiate assessments or investigations across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, this phrase serves the purpose of quantifying or evaluating specific impacts or consequences. While alternative phrases like "assess the scope" or "evaluate the magnitude" exist, "determine the extent" remains a clear and effective choice for formal communication. A key best practice is to always clarify what is being measured when employing this phrase, ensuring precision and preventing overgeneralization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Assess the scope

Replaces "determine" with "assess", focusing on evaluation rather than strict determination.

Evaluate the magnitude

Uses "evaluate" to emphasize the judgment of the size or importance.

Measure the impact

Focuses specifically on quantifying the effect or consequence.

Gauge the level

Emphasizes assessing the intensity or degree of something.

Ascertain the degree

Replaces "determine" with "ascertain", indicating a more formal investigation.

Quantify the effect

Focuses on putting a numerical value on the impact.

Investigate the range

Highlights a detailed examination to understand the breadth or scope.

Check the reach

Highlights how far something goes or how many people it affects.

Establish the limits

Focuses on setting clear boundaries or maximum values.

Figure out the size

Offers a more informal way to understand the scale or dimensions.

FAQs

How can I use "determine the extent" in a sentence?

You can use "determine the extent" when you need to assess or measure the degree or scope of something. For example, "We need to determine the extent of the damage before we can begin repairs".

What are some alternatives to "determine the extent"?

Alternatives include "assess the scope", "evaluate the magnitude", or "measure the impact". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "determine the extent" in formal writing?

The phrase "determine the extent" is suitable for formal writing in various fields such as science, business, and law. It's appropriate when you need to convey a sense of formal investigation or assessment.

What's the difference between "determine the extent" and "assess the impact"?

"Determine the extent" is broader and can refer to measuring any aspect of something. "Assess the impact", on the other hand, specifically refers to evaluating the effects or consequences of something. For instance, we determine the extent of the damage, but assess the impact of the policy.