a determinant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a determinant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to mathematics, statistics, or discussions about factors that influence outcomes. Example: "In this study, we identified several key factors that serve as a determinant of success in educational settings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Whether it's enough to be a determinant, I don't know".

The New York Times - Sports

The bus isn't a determinant of whether a child is "cool" or not.

The New York Times

Yet even advocates of the avant-garde occasionally cited nationality as a determinant of style.

The New York Times - Arts

It gets probably far too much attention as far as being a determinant.

The New York Times

No single debate, he said, "is going to be a determinant in this election and move big numbers".

The New York Times

Muzyka says age is not a determinant at Sauder, but counsels older applicants to undergo some academic preparation.

The Guardian - Money

"It's a constant struggle for female athletes who are in sports where being lean is a determinant of success".

The New York Times - Sports

We have a VO2 max figure, a value that some people consider to be a determinant of endurance performance.

The Guardian - Sport

Both leaders must accept that history is destiny, and that the irrefutable logic of geography is a determinant of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Wellbore trajectory design is a determinant issue in drilling engineering.

Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering

Gender was considered to be a determinant for subgroup analysis.

European Journal of Epidemiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a determinant", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being determined and what factors are influencing the outcome. For example: "Socioeconomic status is a determinant of access to healthcare."

Common error

Avoid using "a determinant" when a simpler term like "factor" or "cause" would suffice, especially in informal writing. Using more straightforward language can enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a determinant" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific factor that plays a crucial role in influencing or determining an outcome or condition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a determinant" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that indicates a significant factor influencing an outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in formal and analytical contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related content. While alternatives like "a deciding factor" or "a key influence" can be used, "a determinant" is most impactful when highlighting a decisive role. Be mindful to avoid overuse in simpler explanations where a less formal term would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deciding factor

Replaces "determinant" with "deciding factor", emphasizing the role in making a decision.

a deciding element

Mirrors "deciding factor" but uses "element" to describe the determinant.

a key influence

Substitutes "determinant" with "key influence", highlighting the power to affect something.

a major driver

Uses "major driver" instead of "determinant", focusing on what propels or motivates an outcome.

a crucial element

Replaces "determinant" with "crucial element", stressing its essential and indispensable nature.

a critical component

Highlights that the determinant is a necessary part of a larger system.

a significant factor

Emphasizes the importance of the determinant, using "significant factor" as an alternative.

a central aspect

Replaces "determinant" with "central aspect", indicating its pivotal role.

a primary cause

Focuses on causality, replacing "determinant" with "primary cause".

a defining characteristic

Focuses on how the determinant shapes or identifies something.

FAQs

How can I use "a determinant" in a sentence?

Use "a determinant" to indicate a factor that strongly influences or decides an outcome. For example, "The level of education is "a determinant" of future income".

What are some alternatives to using "a determinant"?

You can use alternatives such as "a deciding factor", "a key influence", or "a major driver", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a determinant factor" or "a determining factor"?

"A determinant factor" is more common, but "a determining factor" is also grammatically correct. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. "Determinant" implies a more decisive role.

What's the difference between "a determinant" and "a factor"?

While both indicate something that contributes to an outcome, "a determinant" suggests a stronger, more decisive influence than simply "a factor". A determinant plays a key role in shaping the result.