determine definitively

USAGE SUMMARY

"determine definitively" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to make a final, conclusive decision or judgment on something. Example: The experts were unable to determine definitively the cause of the mysterious illness that plagued the town.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Studies have not been able to determine definitively whether the employment impact of a higher wage is positive or negative, just that it is small.

The New York Times

And scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are scheduled to start a five-year study in January that will track elite players to try to determine definitively whether heading leads to long-term injury.

The New York Times - Sports

On Tuesday, a spokesman for the airline said that its officials had still not had enough access to the piece of debris to determine definitively that it belonged to its plane.

The New York Times

But the city has never been able to determine definitively that they were at the World Trade Center, so last week, city officials finally decided to remove them from the list.

The New York Times

The report, which devotes a paragraph to Ms. Gay's death but does not identify her by name, states that "forensics were unable to determine definitively whose round caused her death".

The New York Times

Thus, although quantitative studies of market trends, together with evidence of on-the-ground destruction, can demonstrate which categories of antiquities are likely to be largely illicit, it is generally not possible to determine definitively in any particular instance that an antiquity was originally obtained illicitly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

In fairness, there is also contrary evidence, and the value of the staggered board has yet to be determined definitively.

The New York Times

Although it has not determined definitively how many detainees that applies to, officials said it would probably be about 50 of the more than 200 men still held at Guantánamo.

The New York Times

On Wednesday, Mr. Yassky said that the city had not determined definitively whether an app like Uber's constituted unlawful prearrangement — and did not have to, if an app was deemed untenable because of the payment processing contracts.

The New York Times

The alloys were sputtercleaned in uhv and the surface composition was determined definitively with low energy ion scattering (LEIS) prior to clean transfer to an electrochemical cell.

Electrochimica Acta

As shown here, the influence of heavy ions on substorm dynamics is still a controversial issue and has not been determined definitively.

Geoscience Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "determine definitively" when you want to emphasize that a conclusion is final, based on solid evidence, and leaves no room for doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "determine definitively" in casual or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler phrases like "find out for sure" or "figure out" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determine definitively" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to emphasize the thoroughness and finality of the determination. It indicates a conclusive resolution based on solid evidence, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "determine definitively" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize the finality and certainty of a determination. Predominantly found in science, news, and encyclopedia contexts, it conveys a formal and authoritative tone. Ludwig's analysis supports that its purpose is to eliminate ambiguity and assure a well-supported conclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determine conclusively

Emphasizes the finality and lack of doubt in the determination.

establish unequivocally

Focuses on removing any ambiguity or uncertainty in the establishment of something.

ascertain with certainty

Highlights the accuracy and reliability of the determination.

determine without doubt

Directly states the absence of any uncertainty in the determination.

determine categorically

Implies a clear and unambiguous determination, leaving no room for exceptions.

determine beyond question

Indicates that the determination is so solid that it cannot be reasonably questioned.

determine with finality

Stresses that the determination is the last and unchangeable word on the matter.

resolve decisively

Emphasizes the prompt and effective nature of the determination.

settle definitively

Indicates that the determination puts an end to any further debate or discussion.

determine for certain

Highlights the confidence and assurance in the determination made.

FAQs

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

You can use "determine definitively" when you want to emphasize that you have reached a final and conclusive decision or understanding. For instance, "Scientists are working to determine definitively whether the new drug is effective".

What are some alternatives to "determine definitively"?

You can use alternatives like "determine conclusively", "establish unequivocally", or "ascertain with certainty" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to say "determine definitively"?

While "determine" already implies a degree of certainty, using "definitively" emphasizes the finality and conclusiveness of the determination. It is not necessarily redundant, but rather adds emphasis.

What is the difference between "determine definitively" and "determine definitely"?

"Determine definitively" implies a higher degree of certainty and finality than "determine definitely". "Definitively" suggests that all doubts have been removed and the matter is settled, while "definitely" simply indicates a strong degree of certainty.