a factual determination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a factual determination" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a decision or conclusion is based on objective facts or evidence. Example: "The court's ruling was based on a factual determination of the evidence presented during the trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The law's intent is clear: the report should be a factual determination, not a policy statement.

The New York Times

Responding to Mr. Burton's appeal, Burton v. United States, No. 99-9902, the Solicitor General's office told the court that imposing a life sentence based on a factual determination by the judge was "plain error" under the Apprendi decision.

The New York Times

The court upheld Mr. Vogel's election, but its unanimous 1998 opinion said that if a court found "substantial noncompliance with statutory election procedures and also makes a factual determination that reasonable doubt exists as to whether a certified election expressed the will of the voters," it could void the election -- even in the absence of fraud or intentional wrongdoing.

The New York Times

Writing for the court today, Justice John Paul Stevens said that while a jury's determination of compensatory damages, based on an assessment of the injury, was "essentially a factual determination," a jury's award of punitive damages was "an expression of its moral condemnation".

The New York Times

The key to successfully asserting the defense is a factual determination that the event was unforeseen and could not be prepared for or mitigated by human activity.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Under a 2000 decision, in Apprendi v. New Jersey, any factual determination that allows a sentence to be increased beyond the statutory maximum must be proved to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt.

The New York Times

The justices ruled in 2000 that any factual determination that allows a sentence to be increased beyond the statutory maximum must be proved to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt.

The New York Times

The proper method for deducting these expenses will depend on whether the miner's activity rises to the level of a trade or business, which is a highly factual determination and should be made with the assistance of a tax professional.

TechCrunch

A trial judge generally can't override a jury's factual determination (as long as there was some plausible evidence supporting that determination).

Huffington Post

Fact: Aside from determining whether there is probable cause to indict someone for a crime, grand juries don't make any factual determinations.

Huffington Post

At the same time, the court refused to give retroactive application to a 2002 ruling that invalidated the death penalty laws of Arizona and four other states for permitting judges to make the factual determination that placed a convicted murderer in the category of those eligible for the death penalty.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a factual determination", ensure your language clearly indicates the basis of the determination: what facts were considered and how they led to the conclusion. Providing context enhances credibility.

Common error

Avoid stating that something is "a factual determination" without outlining the specific facts that support the determination. Unsupported claims weaken your argument. Always provide evidence or a clear line of reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a factual determination" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it describes a decision or conclusion based on objective facts. In essence, it highlights the outcome of a fact-finding process.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a factual determination" is a noun phrase emphasizing that a conclusion is based on objective evidence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, predominantly in news and media, where objective reporting is crucial. While relatively rare, it conveys credibility and accuracy. When employing this phrase, ensure to provide the facts underpinning the determination to bolster your argument. Avoid assuming the factual basis is understood without explanation. Alternative phrases like "an objective assessment" or "an evidence-based conclusion" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an objective assessment

Emphasizes the impartiality and lack of bias in the evaluation.

an evidence-based conclusion

Highlights that the conclusion is derived from concrete evidence.

a fact-finding mission

Focuses on the process of discovering and establishing facts.

a reality check

Implies a comparison against reality to verify accuracy.

a validation of the facts

Highlights that the existing facts have been verified as accurate.

an empirical judgment

Stresses that the determination is based on observation and experience.

a verification of the data

Focuses on confirming the accuracy and reliability of the data.

a substantiated finding

Emphasizes that the finding is supported by substantial evidence.

a grounded assessment

Indicates the assessment is rooted in solid evidence and facts.

a veridical assessment

Focuses on the truthfulness and accuracy of the assessment.

FAQs

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

Use "a factual determination" when you want to emphasize that a conclusion is based on verifiable facts. For example, "The judge's decision was based on "a factual determination" of the evidence presented."

What are some alternatives to saying "a factual determination"?

Alternatives include "an objective assessment", "an evidence-based conclusion", or "a fact-finding mission", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes "a factual determination" different from a legal judgment?

While a legal judgment incorporates legal principles and interpretations, "a factual determination" refers specifically to establishing the facts of a case. It is a component of a legal judgment but focuses solely on evidence-based findings.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a factual determination"?

It's appropriate to use "a factual determination" in contexts where accuracy and objectivity are paramount, such as legal proceedings, scientific research, or investigative reporting. It emphasizes that the conclusion is based on evidence rather than opinion or speculation.