This dictated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "This dictated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been stated or ordered, often in a formal context. Example: "This dictated the terms of our agreement and set clear expectations for both parties."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

This dictated its botched, disastrous response to the child sexual abuse crisis.

The New York Times

This dictated a more conceptual and illustrative approach to our visuals.

The New York Times

This dictated the style of many of her clothes, which had to be beautifully cut to show off her impossibly thin, bony frame, and never fancy or flowery in order to show off the magnificent jewellery.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This dictated the requirement of latched controls, which would allow the operator to start drilling one hole and then latch the controls to be able to move on to the next.

International Journal of Mining Science and Technology

This dictated the choice of places where subjects could be recruited; i.e. clinics and centers where a dental x-ray unit was present.

BMC Oral Health

This dictated our approach in this paper: rather than focus on mechanistic modelling, we focussed on representative network modules of signalling and considered these in a spatially extended domain, with spatially inhomogeneous signals, both gradual and sharp, of the kind which may be generically expected.

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Also, the trajectory toward violent offending differs with gender and this dictates a different treatment approach.

The Guardian

This dictates Sunderland require a McClaren-type tracksuit manager rather than a Sam Allardyce figure.

The Guardian - Sport

This dictates Sunderland are likely to seek a McClaren-type tracksuit manager rather than a Sam Allardyce-style figure.

The Guardian - Sport

If the actor is good enough, they will blink in character; this dictates where cuts should come.

The Guardian - Film

Basing a play on a night like this dictates a certain strain of predictable theater jokes, and this production is not derelict in its duty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "This dictated" when you want to emphasize a direct and significant influence of a preceding factor on a subsequent outcome or decision.

Common error

Avoid using "This dictated" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for more natural alternatives like "This led to" or "This meant" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "This dictated" functions as a causal connector, indicating that the preceding statement directly determined or controlled the subsequent action, decision, or outcome. The phrase is typically used to establish a cause-and-effect relationship, where "this" refers to a prior condition or situation, as reinforced by the usage examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "This dictated" serves as a causal connector, indicating a direct influence or determination. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, often appearing in neutral to formal contexts such as science, news and media. While "This dictated" is not incorrect, it's important to consider the formality of the context. Alternatives like "this determined" or "this influenced" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Understanding the nuances of its usage ensures effective communication in various professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This determined

Replaces 'dictated' with 'determined', emphasizing a conclusive effect.

This influenced

Substitutes 'dictated' with 'influenced', suggesting a less forceful but still significant impact.

This governed

Replaces 'dictated' with 'governed', implying a controlling or ruling effect.

This mandated

Uses 'mandated' instead of 'dictated', highlighting a compulsory or authoritative order.

This prescribed

Replaces 'dictated' with 'prescribed', suggesting a recommended or set course of action.

This established

Swaps 'dictated' for 'established', emphasizing a foundation or starting point.

This necessitated

Replaces 'dictated' with 'necessitated', highlighting the unavoidable or essential outcome.

This conditioned

Uses 'conditioned' in place of 'dictated', suggesting a preparatory or dependent factor.

This predetermined

Replaces 'dictated' with 'predetermined', highlighting the decision has been made in advance.

This controlled

Substitutes 'dictated' with 'controlled', suggesting a management or regulation effect.

FAQs

How can I use "This dictated" in a sentence?

You can use "This dictated" to show a direct consequence or influence. For example, "The weather conditions were severe; this dictated that we postpone the event."

What are some alternatives to "This dictated"?

Alternatives include "this determined", "this influenced", or "this governed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "This dictated" formal or informal?

"This dictated" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "This meant" or "This led to".

How does "This dictated" compare to "This influenced"?

"This dictated" suggests a more direct and controlling effect, whereas "this influenced" suggests a less forceful but still significant impact. The choice depends on the degree of influence you want to convey.