can determine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can determine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to find out or establish something based on evidence or analysis. Example: "The results of the experiment can determine the effectiveness of the new drug."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Weather can determine the outcome.

The New York Times - Sports

Only I can determine that.

The New York Times

I can determine the agenda".

The New York Times

Geography can determine opportunity.

Stanford University

"We can determine if there's a link".

The New Yorker

"Iraq can determine how this turns out.

The New York Times

But they can determine other issues.

The New York Times - Sports

Ultrasound imaging can determine for sure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Pips can determine their own fate.

The Guardian

The MRI," Bruneau says, "can determine that.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Only I myself can determine the path of my composition.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can determine" when you want to express the ability to find something out through investigation or analysis. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is doing the determining and what is being determined.

Common error

Avoid using "can determine" in contexts where simpler verbs like "show", "indicate", or "decide" would be more direct and effective. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound unnecessarily convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can determine" functions as a verb phrase indicating the ability or capacity to ascertain, establish, or find out something. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can determine" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used verb phrase that expresses the ability to ascertain or establish something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, including news, academia, and science, though its register is generally neutral. When writing, consider simpler alternatives like "show" or "indicate" if a more direct approach is desired. Remember that "can determine" implies a capability, while "will determine" suggests a future certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to ascertain

Replaces "can determine" with a more formal and emphatic expression of ability.

is capable of establishing

Similar to "can determine" but emphasizes capability and establishment.

has the ability to identify

Focuses on the ability to pinpoint or recognize something specific.

is in a position to judge

Suggests the power or authority to make a decision or assessment.

allows one to conclude

Highlights the permissibility or logical progression to reach a conclusion.

serves to define

Emphasizes the function of something in setting boundaries or characteristics.

helps to establish

Indicates assistance in the process of making something certain or proven.

enables the assessment of

Highlights the facilitation of evaluating or measuring something.

contributes to identifying

Shows how something adds to the process of finding or recognizing something.

plays a role in defining

Indicates involvement in shaping or setting the characteristics of something.

FAQs

How can I use "can determine" in a sentence?

Use "can determine" to express the capability of ascertaining or establishing something, for example, "The evidence "can determine" the outcome of the case".

What can I say instead of "can determine"?

You can use alternatives like "is able to ascertain", "is capable of establishing", or "has the ability to identify" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can determine" or "will determine"?

"Can determine" indicates an ability or possibility, while "will determine" suggests a future certainty. The correct choice depends on whether you are expressing a potential or a guaranteed outcome.

What's the difference between "can determine" and "helps to establish"?

"Can determine" implies a more direct and conclusive influence, while "helps to establish" suggests a contributing role in making something certain.