a predetermined outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

"a predetermined outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation where the result is known or determined before the event takes place. For example: "The game had a predetermined outcome, with the home team already declared the victor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

It will be tempting for Libya to give Saif a show trial, orchestrated to deliver a predetermined outcome.

The Guardian

The restaurant industry has fiercely fought the idea of targeting one sector with a higher wage, and accuse the governor of setting up the Wage Board to have a predetermined outcome.

The Washington Post

The case was given to one of The Hague's most esteemed lawyers, Andrew T Cayley, QC. "It was a very difficult case to investigate on the ground," Cayley told the Observer, "harder than in any other place in the former Yugoslavia". But by 2004, Cayley said, he felt "under increasing pressure to come up with something … almost as if I was questioning a predetermined outcome.

The Guardian

The government is committed to a predetermined outcome and will do everything to subvert the will of the people.

The Guardian

This is being used to substantiate the idea that there is a witch hunt with a predetermined outcome.

The Washington Post

A Foreign Office source said yesterday that war was not a predetermined outcome and that if Saddam had cooperated fully, war could have been avoided.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

On average it took experienced reviewers less than 10 minutes to independently apply the tool for a single, predetermined outcome.

British Medical Journal

All of the trials were scored as low risk of bias for selective reporting of outcomes as all predetermined outcomes were reported.

Nature

Marques says he has no plans to leave Angola, despite what he sees as his trial's predetermined outcome.

Vice

Organising EPR and telemedicine evaluation around predetermined outcome measures alone can be impractical given the complex and contingent nature of such projects.

BMC Health Services Research

So again, let's grab a few employees and do a quick survey and then roll out our preexisting or predetermined outcomes.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the implications of using "a predetermined outcome". It can suggest a lack of fairness or transparency, so choose this phrase carefully when discussing processes or events that should ideally be impartial.

Common error

Avoid using "a predetermined outcome" when describing situations that require impartiality, such as judicial processes or scientific experiments. This phrase can imply unfairness or a lack of objectivity, damaging credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a predetermined outcome" functions as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe a situation where the result is known or decided in advance. It often acts as the object or complement of a verb, indicating what has been decided beforehand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a predetermined outcome" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations where the result is known or decided in advance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is reliable and usable in written English. It's frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. While it's a useful phrase, be mindful of its implications of unfairness or bias, especially in contexts that should be impartial. Consider using alternatives like "a predetermined result" or "a predefined outcome" for nuanced meaning. When writing, ensure the context justifies the suggestion that the outcome was set in advance to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a predetermined result

Uses 'result' instead of 'outcome', implying a slightly more concrete and measurable conclusion.

a predefined outcome

Replaces 'determined' with 'predefined', suggesting a more structured or formally established prior decision.

a set outcome

Uses 'set' to highlight that the outcome has been firmly decided and is unlikely to change.

a fixed outcome

Emphasizes the unchangeable nature of the result; it's already set and cannot be altered.

a preconceived outcome

Suggests that the outcome was formed in the mind beforehand, potentially implying bias.

a planned outcome

Highlights the intention and planning behind the result, suggesting deliberate action.

a predicted outcome

Shifts the focus to prediction rather than certainty, implying an expectation but not necessarily a fixed result.

a foreseen outcome

Emphasizes the ability to see or anticipate the result beforehand, implying foresight.

a preordained outcome

Implies that the result was determined by fate or a higher power, adding a sense of inevitability.

a designated outcome

Focuses on the act of specifying or assigning the outcome in advance.

FAQs

How can I use "a predetermined outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "a predetermined outcome" to describe situations where the result is known or decided in advance. For example, "Critics argued that the trial had "a predetermined outcome", regardless of the evidence presented."

What can I say instead of "a predetermined outcome"?

Alternatives include "a predetermined result", "a predefined outcome", or "a predicted outcome", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "predetermined result" or "predetermined outcome"?

Both "predetermined result" and "predetermined outcome" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on the specific context and personal preference, though "outcome" is slightly more common in broader applications.

When might using "a predetermined outcome" be inappropriate?

Using "a predetermined outcome" might be inappropriate when describing situations that should be fair, unbiased, or open to different results. It implies that the process is rigged or manipulated, which can be damaging to credibility.