be determined to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be determined to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone possessing strong willpower and determination to pursue a goal. For example, "She was determined to succeed in her career and worked hard to make her dreams a reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This may sound obvious, but be determined to succeed.

The Guardian

I have to be determined to learn my sport".

The Guardian - Sport

England will be determined to retain an aggressive outlook.

The Guardian - Sport

In hockey you have to be determined to be successful.

The New York Times - Sports

And a passer-by will be determined to help a stranded driver change a tire.

The New York Times

This means you will need to work hard and be determined to enter the field.

The Guardian

A Conservative government would be determined to release the pent-up energy of the voluntary sector.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today's performance was uncharacteristic, and he will undoubtedly be determined to make amends.

The New York Times - Sports

Nevertheless, the Taliban will be determined to respond to any influx of new American forces.

The New York Times

And I'll be determined to do that by muscular means if necessary".

The Guardian

"If the Americans are determined to interfere, then we will be determined to respond," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be determined to" when you want to convey a sense of strong resolve and intention to achieve a specific goal. It's effective in motivational contexts and when describing someone's unwavering commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "be determined to" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "It was determined to be done", opt for active phrasing like "They were determined to do it" for clearer, more impactful writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be determined to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a strong intention or resolve to perform an action. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, emphasizing the commitment to achieve a goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

30%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be determined to" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a strong intention or resolve. According to Ludwig, this phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Wiki and Science related sources, as also demonstrated in the examples analyzed. When writing, remember to use this phrase to convey commitment and avoid overuse of the passive voice. Consider alternatives such as "resolve to" or "intend to" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be resolved to

Similar to "resolve to" but with a slightly more formal tone.

resolve to

Emphasizes a firm decision to do something.

be set on

Implies a firm and unwavering decision.

have every intention of

Highlights the strength of the intention.

be intent on

Focuses on the eagerness and determination behind the action.

be committed to

Emphasizes dedication and responsibility towards a goal.

intend to

Indicates a plan or purpose.

be driven to

Suggests being motivated or compelled to act.

make up one's mind to

Focuses on the decision-making process.

aim to

Highlights the goal or objective.

FAQs

How can I use "be determined to" in a sentence?

Use "be determined to" to show strong intent, like: "She will "be determined to" finish the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "be determined to"?

You can use phrases like "resolve to", "intend to", or "be intent on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "determined to" or "be determined to"?

"Determined to" is often used as an adjective, while "be determined to" is a verb phrase. For example, "She is determined" (adjective) versus "She will "be determined to" succeed" (verb phrase).

What's the difference between "be determined to" and "try to"?

"Be determined to" suggests a stronger level of commitment and resolve than "try to". "Be determined to" implies a firm intention to succeed, while "try to" suggests an attempt without a guarantee of success.