determine by

USAGE SUMMARY

"determine by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you are using a certain factor to make or decide something. For example, "The winner was determined by how many votes each candidate received."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Residual plants of each block were harvested and used to determine BY (Additional file 6).

BMC Plant Biology

The next step was to determine, by pressing a button, whether the software could perform what I'd asked it to.

The New Yorker

Rugby union lore has it that forwards win games, backs just determine by how much.

Independent

From there the stock moves on to the receivers, who inspect each book's condition and determine, by computer, its likely demand.

The Guardian - Books

The second law requires the Education Department and the police to determine by the end of 2006 which schools require cameras.

The New York Times

Nine blindfolded women were asked to determine, by smell alone, whether any among a group of nine men was worth pursuing.

The New York Times

Bacteria work in groups, and take action only when their numbers are large enough to achieve their goals, something they determine by using what scientists call "quorum sensing".

The New York Times

Ms. Reno said in a statement that the guilty plea would allow the government to determine, by interviewing Mr. Lee, what happened to the missing computer tapes.

The New York Times

Crucial meetings this week in New York and Pittsburgh will determine by next spring whether a new era of collaboration is possible.

The New York Times

Dog owners can determine by certain sounds whether their pet is playful, warning of a stranger nearby, fearful, or hurt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The interrogator attempts to determine, by asking questions of the other two participants, which is the computer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determine by", ensure the factor you are using to make the determination is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The winner was determined by the number of votes received."

Common error

Avoid using "determine by" without specifying how the determination is made. Saying "The quality was determined by testing" is less informative than "The quality was determined by conducting three rounds of stress tests".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determine by" functions as a verb phrase indicating a method or basis for a decision or conclusion. It specifies what factor is used to make a judgment, aligning with Ludwig's examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "determine by" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that a decision, outcome, or conclusion is based on a specific factor or method. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its usage spans from formal scientific publications to news articles and encyclopedic entries, showing its adaptability in writing. When using "determine by", clarity is key; be sure to specify the factor being used for determination. While alternatives like "ascertain through" or "assess based on" exist, "determine by" remains a direct and effective way to express how a decision is reached.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascertain through

Focuses on the process of finding something out, often through investigation.

establish via

Emphasizes the use of a specific means to confirm or prove something.

assess based on

Highlights the evaluation aspect, where a judgment is made using certain criteria.

judge according to

Similar to "assess based on", but with a stronger emphasis on making a judgment.

deduce from

Implies a logical conclusion is reached based on available information.

infer from

Similar to deduce, suggesting a conclusion is drawn from evidence or reasoning.

conclude based upon

Highlights that the process of concluding from facts or data.

find out through

Focuses on discovering information through a particular method or source.

decide via

Indicates that a decision is reached through a specific means or method.

measure using

Specifies the use of a particular tool or technique for measurement purposes.

FAQs

How do I use "determine by" in a sentence?

Use "determine by" to indicate that a decision or outcome is based on a specific factor or method. For example, "Success is often determined by hard work and dedication".

What are some alternatives to "determine by"?

You can use alternatives like "ascertain through", "establish via", or "assess based on", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "determined by" or "determined through"?

Both "determined by" and "determined through" are acceptable, but "determined by" is generally more common. "Determined by" emphasizes the factor influencing the determination, while "determined through" highlights the process.

What's the difference between "determine by" and "define by"?

"Determine by" implies finding something out based on certain criteria, while "define by" means to give a precise meaning or description. For example, "Success can be determined by happiness" vs. "Success can be defined by achieving goals".