a determining influence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a determining influence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a factor or element that significantly affects or shapes an outcome or decision. Example: "The economic policies of the government have been a determining influence on the country's growth rate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

A determining influence for CpG dinucleotides on nucleosome positioning in vitro.

Nature

What his neighbors and friends felt and believed was always a powerful, and often a determining, influence on his judgment.

The New York Times - Books

Unconscious psychic processes refer to feelings, desires, images, fantasies, etc., that occur outside of awareness and likely have a determining influence on our conscious mentation and behavior.

The New York Times

The specific nature of fluid dynamics within waste stabilisation ponds can have a determining influence on their functional treatment performance.

Ecological Engineering

While acknowledging Coltrane as a determining influence on composer Steve Reich - who saw him play about 50 times - Ratliff tends to confine himself to jazz as a narrowly defined and increasingly atrophied musical form.

The Guardian - Books

His theories on drama, however, expounded in Entretiens sur le fils naturel (1757; "Discussion on the Illegitimate Son") and Discours sur la poésie dramatique ("Discourse on Dramatic Poetry"), were to exercise a determining influence on the German dramatist Gotthold Lessing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Postoperative de novo adhesion formation is a determining factor influencing endometrial wound healing [4].

Gynecological Surgery

Prolonged stay in the ICU is a determining factor that influences patients mortality following their transfer to the general ward.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Sforza's influence was a determining factor in the Italian ratification of the peace treaty, in Italy's joining the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation, and in its adherence to the North Atlantic Treaty.

Britannica

Because of this close relationship, potentially toxic interactions with TSCs could be a factor in determining or influencing motor terminal degeneration in SOD1G93A mice.

Plosone

They would reinforce the units there now and, it is hoped, help the Afghans claw back gains made by the Taliban and a determined Islamic State faction whose influence is spreading.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger synonyms like "decisive factor" or "pivotal role" if you want to emphasize the impact of the determining influence.

Common error

Avoid using "a determining influence" when the factor only contributes partially to the outcome. Ensure the factor genuinely has a significant and direct effect, rather than being just one of many contributing elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a determining influence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a factor that is crucial in shaping an outcome. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a determining influence" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a factor that significantly shapes an outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. While not the most common phrase, it appears most frequently in scientific and news-related articles. For alternative phrasing, consider "a decisive factor" or "a significant influence". Avoid overstating the influence of a factor by ensuring it truly plays a substantial role.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deciding influence

Suggests the influence directly leads to a specific decision.

a decisive factor

Emphasizes the finality and conclusiveness of the influence, suggesting it resolves an issue.

a significant influence

Indicates a considerable and noteworthy impact.

a key factor

Highlights the importance and centrality of the influence.

a major influence

Stresses the magnitude and extent of the impact.

a primary influence

Highlights that it is one of the most important influences.

a crucial element

Highlights the essential nature of the influence.

a critical component

Highlights the indispensable nature of the influence.

a central aspect

Focuses on the core and fundamental nature of the influence.

a shaping force

Emphasizes the way the influence molds or forms something.

FAQs

What does "a determining influence" mean?

The phrase "a determining influence" refers to something that significantly affects or shapes an outcome, decision, or situation. It indicates that this influence plays a crucial role in what ultimately happens.

How can I use "a determining influence" in a sentence?

You can use "a determining influence" to highlight the key factor affecting something. For example, "The weather was "a determining influence" on the success of the outdoor event".

What can I say instead of "a determining influence"?

You can use alternatives like "decisive factor", "key factor", or "significant influence" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "determining factor" instead of "a determining influence"?

Yes, "determining factor" is a valid alternative and often interchangeable with "a determining influence", especially when referring to a crucial element that dictates an outcome. However, "a determining influence" might subtly emphasize the process of influencing rather than the definitive nature of the factor itself.