cannot be predetermined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be predetermined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where the outcome or result of a situation is uncertain or cannot be established in advance. Example: "The success of the project cannot be predetermined, as it depends on various external factors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

In general, the energy gaps cannot be predetermined efficiently26, and the controllability of energy gaps is a subject of controversy27.

Nature

Since the level of customer engagement cannot be predetermined, companies will have to give consumers as much choice and flexibility as possible in the channels of distribution and communication and in the design of products.

Harvard Business Review

Slot machine makers say the game's outcomes cannot be predetermined by a master computer tucked away somewhere, and gambling regulatory groups like Mr. Copher's are charged with making certain that such a thing never becomes possible.

The New York Times - Tech

Just like in project-based learning, the learning outcomes of such an activity cannot be predetermined (Schneider et al., 2002).

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Some of the factors are process parameters that can be predetermined, while the others cannot be predetermined since they are generated from the SLM process.

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

The main problem lies in the consideration of the possibly transmit symbol vector in the reduced constellation since, unfortunately, the set of all possible transmit symbols vectors cannot be predetermined.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

You don't want them to be predetermined.

The New York Times

She was not going to let her life be predetermined.

HuffPost

This may already be predetermined.

WikiHow

An interesting characteristic of PBL is that the learning process and the final outcome cannot be fully predetermined.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

By its nature, the group discussion method is open-ended and cannot be entirely predetermined.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot be predetermined", ensure the context clearly indicates what factors influence the uncertainty. Specifying these factors enhances the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be predetermined" in situations where the outcome is, in fact, governed by clear and predictable rules. The phrase is most effective when genuine uncertainty exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be predetermined" functions as a modal phrase expressing the impossibility of knowing or establishing something with certainty beforehand. As Ludwig AI explains, this highlights an inherent uncertainty. Examples include situations where outcomes depend on various external factors or processes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot be predetermined" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey that an outcome is uncertain and impossible to establish in advance. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context reflects genuine uncertainty and consider specifying the factors that contribute to this unpredictability. Alternatives like "cannot be predicted" or "remains uncertain" can offer similar meanings with slight nuances. Overall, "cannot be predetermined" is a useful phrase for expressing the inherent unpredictability of certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be known in advance

Focuses on the lack of prior knowledge rather than predetermination.

cannot be predicted

Emphasizes the inability to foresee or forecast the outcome.

cannot be guaranteed

Highlights the absence of a certainty or assurance.

cannot be set in stone

Uses a metaphor to convey the lack of fixity or immutability.

remains uncertain

Shifts the focus to the ongoing uncertainty of the matter.

is not preordained

Implies that the outcome isn't inevitable or divinely planned.

is contingent

Stresses that the outcome depends on other factors.

is subject to change

Highlights the potential for alteration or modification.

is not a foregone conclusion

Emphasizes that the result is not a certainty.

defies prediction

Highlights the unpredictable nature.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be predetermined" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be predetermined" to describe situations where the outcome or result is uncertain and not fixed in advance. For example: "The level of customer engagement "cannot be predetermined", companies must offer flexibility."

What are some alternatives to "cannot be predetermined"?

Alternatives include "cannot be predicted", "cannot be known in advance", or "remains uncertain" depending on the context. Each conveys a similar sense of uncertainty.

Is it correct to say "cannot predetermined" instead of "cannot be predetermined"?

No, "cannot predetermined" is grammatically incorrect. The passive voice requires the auxiliary verb "be". The correct form is "cannot be predetermined".

What is the difference between "cannot be predetermined" and "is not predetermined"?

"Cannot be predetermined" emphasizes the impossibility of determining something in advance, while "is not predetermined" simply states that something is not fixed. The former conveys a stronger sense of uncertainty.