Make a determination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Make a determination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you need to decide or conclude something based on available information or evidence. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, the committee will make a determination regarding the applicant's eligibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Four to six weeks are needed to make a determination.

The New York Times - Arts

"And when they contact us, we make a determination".

The New York Times - Sports

"My constituents," he said, "have to make a determination".

The New York Times

"Steven will make a determination in the next few weeks," his spokesman Andy Spahn told abcnews.com.

The New York Times

Once we have completed that review, we'll make a determination on appealing".

The New York Times

"We don't think we need to make a determination," a senior administration official said.

The Guardian

"We look at the plans and make a determination if they comply with the existing laws".

The New York Times

"We didn't issue any violations, but we'll make a determination as soon as we can".

The New York Times

"They will make a determination if there's a problem how to remedy it," he said.

The New York Times

As for the rest, he said, "after everything gets normalized, we're going to make a determination".

The New Yorker

That's how you make a determination of what's wrong with them".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a determination" when you need to convey a formal or considered decision-making process. It's suitable for professional, legal, or official contexts where careful evaluation is implied.

Common error

Avoid using "make a determination" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "decide" or "choose" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a determination" functions as a verb phrase, where 'make' is the main verb and 'a determination' is its object. It indicates the act of deciding or concluding something after considering available information. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a determination" is a versatile verb phrase indicating a formal decision-making process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in news, science, and formal business contexts. While generally neutral in register, it conveys a sense of careful evaluation and judgment. Alternative phrases like "reach a conclusion" or "come to a decision" offer similar meanings, but may vary in formality. Therefore, it's best to reserve "make a determination" for situations where a deliberate and thoughtful conclusion is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make a decision

This option is shorter and less emphatic than the original phrase, focusing simply on the act of deciding.

Reach a conclusion

This alternative focuses on the outcome of the decision-making process, emphasizing the arrival at a judgment.

Come to a decision

This alternative is similar in meaning but highlights the act of arriving at a decision after consideration.

Draw a conclusion

Similar to "reach a conclusion", but implies inference based on evidence or reasoning.

Arrive at a judgment

This alternative emphasizes the formal or legal aspect of reaching a verdict or assessment.

Settle on a choice

This alternative implies a final selection, often after some deliberation or uncertainty.

Form an opinion

This alternative is less formal, suggesting the development of a personal belief or viewpoint.

Resolve the matter

This alternative emphasizes the act of finding a solution or ending a dispute through a decision.

Evaluate the options

This alternative focuses on comparing different choices before making a decision.

Assess the situation

This alternative highlights the evaluation aspect, focusing on understanding the circumstances before deciding.

FAQs

How can I use "make a determination" in a sentence?

You can use "make a determination" when you want to express the act of deciding or concluding something after careful consideration. For example: "The committee will "reach a conclusion" after reviewing all the evidence."

What's the difference between "make a determination" and "make a decision"?

"Make a determination" suggests a more formal and deliberative process than "make a decision". Determination implies careful evaluation and judgment, while decision is a broader term. In general, "make a decision" is more often used.

Are there synonyms for "make a determination"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "reach a conclusion", "come to a decision", or "arrive at a judgment" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "make a determination" in legal contexts?

While "make a determination" is often suitable in legal contexts, ensure it accurately reflects the level of formality required. Sometimes, more specific legal terms might be more appropriate. In some contexts the phrase "return a verdict" could be more accurate than make a determination.