determinant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'determinant' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something or someone that is the main cause of a particular outcome and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: "The determinant of their success was their hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet all were instructive of an institution which is improved, sometimes impressively non-partisan, but still liable to disappoint.The main determinant of a strong committee is its chairman.

The Economist

Class is still the major determinant of educational achievement.

The Economist

Japan's earthquake in March has had a profound effect on global industrial production, the most important determinant of commodity prices.

The Economist

In relation to income the main determinant of house prices in the long run housing is as over-valued as at the last peak in the late 1980s.

The Economist

And income levels are not the only determinant of longevity.

The Economist

But in China, interest rates are not the main determinant of credit growth.

The Economist

A MORI poll in March showed 30% of the public thinking that the economy is going to get worse over the next 12 months, compared with 15% who think it is going to improve.In the past, the feel-good factor was seen as a crucial determinant of election results.

The Economist

But income does not seem to be the sole determinant.

The Economist

But his wages made no difference to the extent of his efforts around the house.The major determinant of how much housework a man did was how much he disliked it.

The Economist

My colleague explored the concept in this post, but to refresh your memory here's Mr LevittIt wasn't until the U.S. government's crackdown on internet poker last week that I came to realize that the primary determinant of where I stand with respect to government interference in activities comes down to the answer to a simple question: How would I feel if my daughter were engaged in that activity?

The Economist

Jessica Wolpaw Reyes, an American researcher, has argued that the cognitive effects of exposure to lead were a primary determinant of violent crime, and unleaded petrol is to thank for the improvement.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "determinant" when you want to emphasize a factor that plays a crucial role in shaping an outcome or influencing a situation. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being determined by this factor.

Common error

Avoid using "determinant" when a simpler word like "factor" or "cause" would suffice. Overusing "determinant" can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The word "determinant" primarily functions as a noun, identifying a crucial factor or element that determines the nature or outcome of something. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, showing it in contexts where a single element significantly impacts a result. Ludwig AI also agrees.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "determinant" is a noun used to describe a primary factor that influences an outcome. Ludwig AI indicates the term is grammatically correct and can be used in written English. It is frequently seen in news and media, formal business contexts, and science, making it a versatile term for various registers. When writing, it's best to use "determinant" to stress a key element's influence, but avoid overuse in simple explanations where words like "factor" or "cause" may suffice. As shown in Ludwig examples, the term is common and well-understood, reinforcing its reliability as a descriptive word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determining factor

Replaces "determinant" with a slightly more explicit term, suitable for clarity.

key factor

Simplifies "determinant" to its essential meaning of a crucial element.

primary influence

Shifts focus to the act of influencing, implying a causal relationship.

main driver

Emphasizes the propelling force aspect of a determinant.

chief cause

Highlights the aspect of causation, making it a direct and forceful synonym.

critical element

Focuses on the importance of the element in determining an outcome.

decisive influence

Underscores the conclusive and impactful nature of the influence.

principal component

Useful when "determinant" refers to a part of a larger system or process.

major consideration

Emphasizes that it is a factor that must be taken into account.

root cause

Highlights the fundamental origin or basis of something.

FAQs

How to use "determinant" in a sentence?

Use "determinant" to identify a key factor influencing a particular outcome, for example: "The main "determining factor" in their success was their dedication."

What can I say instead of "determinant"?

You can use alternatives like ""determining factor"", "key factor", or "primary influence" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "determinant" or "determinative"?

"Determinant" is a noun referring to a determining factor, while "determinative" is an adjective meaning decisive or determining. For example, "Dedication was the main "determinant" of their success," vs. "The evidence was "determinative" in the verdict."

What's the difference between "determinant" and "factor"?

While both "determinant" and "factor" refer to elements that influence an outcome, "determinant" suggests a more crucial or decisive role than a general "factor". A "determinant" is often the primary or most important factor.