are determined by

USAGE SUMMARY

"are determined by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when there is a cause-and-effect relationship between two things. Example: The outcomes of the experiment are determined by the method of analysis used.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rankings are determined by accuracy and speed.

The New York Times

(The moves are determined by the machine).

The New York Times

Its decisions are determined by moral considerations.

The Guardian - Opinion

The other divisions are determined by age.

The New York Times

The finalists are determined by sales figures.

The Guardian

But policies are determined by consultation with service providers.

The Guardian

Public holidays are determined by the Jewish calendar.

The Guardian - Opinion

The remaining three elements' equations are determined by ρij*=ρji.

Nature

The rates are determined by each network provider.

The New York Times - Tech

Line colours are determined by the CIE colour matching functions.

Nature

The correlation gain parameters are determined by noise thermometry.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are determined by" to clearly establish cause-and-effect relationships. Be specific about the factors that influence the outcome to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice constructions like "are determined by", as it can make your writing sound indirect. Consider rephrasing sentences in the active voice for a more engaging and direct style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are determined by" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that a subject is causally influenced or decided by a specific agent or factor. Ludwig examples show this construction used across diverse contexts, from scientific research to news reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Science

23%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are determined by" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While it's a useful phrase, overusing passive voice can weaken writing, so consider active alternatives like "depend on" or "rely on" where appropriate. Remember to clearly specify the factors influencing the outcome to enhance clarity in your writing. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Academia sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are influenced by

Highlights that something is affected or shaped by external factors.

depend on

Replaces the passive construction with an active one, focusing on what something relies upon.

rely upon

A more formal synonym for 'depend on', suggesting a strong reliance.

hinge on

Implies that something crucial is dependent on a specific factor.

are contingent on

Highlights that something's occurrence or truth is conditional on something else.

result from

Emphasizes that something is a consequence or outcome of another factor.

stem from

Indicates that something originates or arises from a particular source or cause.

are a function of

Suggests a mathematical or systematic relationship where one thing is directly influenced by another.

are governed by

Indicates that something is controlled or regulated by specific rules or principles.

are dictated by

Implies that something is strictly determined or commanded by a specific factor.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are determined by" to sound more active?

You can use active voice constructions such as "depend on", "rely on", or "are influenced by" depending on the specific context to make your writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The results are determined by the method", you could say "The method determines the results".

What is the difference between "are determined by" and "depend on"?

"Are determined by" is a passive construction, while "depend on" is active. Using "depend on" often makes the sentence more direct and clearer. For example, compare "The outcome is determined by the resources available" with "The outcome "depends on" the resources available".

Is it always better to avoid passive voice constructions like "are determined by"?

Not always. Passive voice can be useful when you want to emphasize the action rather than the actor, or when the actor is unknown or unimportant. However, overuse can make writing sound weak. For example, you may use "are determined by" when focusing on results of the experiment rather than who conducted it.

What are some formal alternatives to "are determined by"?

Formal alternatives include "are contingent on", "are governed by", and "are dictated by". These phrases often convey a more precise or authoritative tone, suitable for academic or professional writing. Remember to consider the specific nuance each phrase offers when selecting the most appropriate substitute.