a determining voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a determining voice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a voice or opinion that has a significant impact on a decision or outcome. Example: "In the final meeting, her perspective was a determining voice that swayed the committee's decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We firmly believed producers who made programmes should have a determining voice in the content and direction of those programmes.

The Guardian

The party's left wing engineered a change in the governing rules to give the trade unions and local party organizations a determining voice in choosing the party's leader.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Suddenly a determined voice interrupted: "Mr. Eliot, apropos of tea, do you not consider Katherine Mansfield the most sensous of modern writers?" Everybody was grateful to the keen-witted young man who remembered that Katharine Mansfield had once written a story called "A Cup of Tea".

The New Yorker

Through NEPAD, African leaders plan to give the continent a determined voice in its own destiny while simultaneously welcoming constructive engagement with developed countries.

Science Magazine

Amnesty International warned last week that "despite President Rouhani's popular mandate, Iran's clerically-dominated politico-religious establishment, headed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and hardliners within its security and judicial sectors, retain enormous power and influence and, to a large extent, continue to have the determining voice on the nature and pace of change in Iran".

The New Yorker

LATE-NIGHT EQUITY Was Andy Roddick the determining voice in the United States Tennis Association's decision to slot Serena Williams in the late Wednesday night match?

The New York Times

Late in 1926, at the Imperial Conference in London, King's was probably the determining voice in securing the declaration of equality of status of the self-governing nations of the empire, thereafter styled the Commonwealth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The determining voice over the next two days will be the United States, which so far has been silent on who it supports.

Huffington Post

On Mother's Day, without a single written note and a firm, determined voice, Rev. Whitfield explained why he did not agree with the president's endorsement of same-sex marriage.

Huffington Post

He winced and frowned, sceptical, taciturn, and doing a convincing impression of a man who has been taken hostage, sedated and tied to a sofa, and is now mumbling in a low, determined voice about set-piece opportunities and stonewall penalties in order to keep himself conscious until the Swat team arrives.

The Guardian - Sport

In a wavery but determined voice, Virgil Shaw sings his sidelong observations and tales of unkempt characters in songs that often turn into downhome waltzes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully. While "a determining voice" often implies a positive influence, ensure it aligns with the actual impact you intend to convey. In some cases, "a decisive influence" might be more appropriate.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a determining voice" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a big influence" or "the main factor" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a determining voice" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It signifies an entity that exerts significant influence in shaping decisions or outcomes. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a determining voice" is a grammatically sound phrase that highlights significant influence or impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct in written English. It’s frequently encountered in News & Media, Scientific, and Formal & Business contexts. While credible sources like The New York Times and The Guardian employ it, being mindful of over-formality and considering alternatives such as "a decisive influence" or "a pivotal factor" ensures precise communication. This phrase suggests a crucial role in shaping decisions, so use it when emphasizing impact. Overusing this phrase in informal contexts may sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decisive influence

Emphasizes the conclusive nature of the influence.

a pivotal factor

Highlights the crucial importance of the factor.

a key role

Focuses on the significant part played.

a major impact

Stresses the considerable effect.

a significant say

Highlights the power to influence decisions.

a leading voice

Emphasizes the prominence and authority of the speaker.

a powerful voice

Highlights the strength and impact of the voice.

a crucial element

Emphasizes the indispensable nature of the element.

a central role

Stresses the role's importance in the overall process.

a dominant factor

Highlights the overwhelming influence of the factor.

FAQs

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

The phrase "a determining voice" is used to describe a person, group, or factor that has a significant influence on the outcome of a decision or event. For example, "In the negotiations, her experience was "a determining voice" that shaped the final agreement".

What are some alternatives to "a determining voice"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a decisive influence", "a pivotal factor", or "a key role" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "a determining voice" in formal writing?

Yes, "a determining voice" is suitable for formal writing. It is grammatically correct and conveys a sense of authority and influence, making it appropriate for academic papers, business reports, and other professional contexts.

What's the difference between "a determining voice" and "a decisive voice"?

While both phrases suggest influence, "a determining voice" implies a more significant and impactful role in shaping the outcome. "A decisive voice" often refers to a voice that brings about a clear and definite decision, but not necessarily the only important factor.