Determined by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Determined by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is influenced or decided by a particular factor or condition. Example: "The outcome of the experiment was determined by the variables we controlled."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rankings are determined by accuracy and speed.

The New York Times

Diagnosis is determined by muscle biopsy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The award was determined by public ballot.

The New York Times

The order is mostly determined by seeding.

The New York Times - Sports

Vulnerability also may be determined by rotation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Upward mobility is increasingly determined by education.

The Economist

(The moves are determined by the machine).

The New York Times

Art prices are now determined by brand.

The New York Times - Arts

(Team finishes were determined by cumulative times).

The New York Times - Magazine

Flavor is determined by diet.

Forbes

"Science is not determined by court order".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determined by", ensure that the determining factor is clearly and explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "determined by" without specifying what the determining factor is. Vague statements can confuse the reader. Always clarify the source of determination to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determined by" functions as a passive construction indicating causation or influence. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It connects an outcome or state to its influencing factor, showing that the former is a result of the latter.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "determined by" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to clearly indicate causation or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile construction suitable for various writing contexts, from academic and scientific to news and general discourse. While highly frequent in scientific publications, it's also prevalent in news media. When employing this phrase, ensure that the determining factor is explicitly stated to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "influenced by", "decided by", and "governed by" can be used to subtly alter the nuance of the relationship being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Decided by

Replaces "determined" with "decided", indicating a clear choice or resolution.

Governed by

Replaces "determined" with "governed", emphasizing a controlling influence.

Influenced by

Substitutes "determined" with "influenced", suggesting a less decisive effect.

Controlled by

Replaces "determined" with "controlled", emphasizing a managed or regulated process.

Dependent on

Substitutes "determined" with "dependent", highlighting reliance on something else.

Based on

Replaces "determined" with "based", indicating a foundation or starting point.

Dictated by

Substitutes "determined" with "dictated", implying a strong, authoritative control.

Subject to

Replaces "determined" with "subject", suggesting that something is conditional.

Shaped by

Substitutes "determined" with "shaped", suggesting that something is moulded or formed.

Conditioned by

Replaces "determined" with "conditioned", indicating something is influenced by prior events or circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "determined by" in a sentence?

Use "determined by" to show that a specific factor influences or decides something, such as "The success of the project was "determined by" the team's collaboration".

What are some alternatives to "determined by"?

Alternatives include phrases like "influenced by", "decided by", or "governed by", each conveying a slightly different nuance of causation or dependence.

Is it better to use "determined by" or "depends on"?

"Determined by" suggests a more direct and decisive influence, whereas "depends on" implies a conditional relationship. Choose the phrase that best fits the context and the strength of the influence you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "determined by" and "affected by"?

"Determined by" indicates that a factor directly decides an outcome, while "affected by" suggests a more general influence or impact. "Determined by" is stronger and more specific.