Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
determine on arrival
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "determine on arrival" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express making a decision or assessment upon reaching a destination, but the wording is awkward and unclear. Example: "We will determine on arrival whether we need to adjust our plans based on the weather conditions."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
By calculating the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and IV scores the severity of illness was determined on arrival in the ICU.
Science
All laboratory values were determined on arrival in the ICU (considered baseline values), 4 hours after initiating postoperative sedation in the ICU, and in the morning of POD1.
Science
Troponin T, creatine kinase, creatine kinase from heart muscle tissue, myoglobin, and oxygenation index were determined on arrival at the ICU, 4 hours after sedation, and in the morning of the first postoperative day (POD1).
Science
The origin of each wave-packet, which is the starting point of each SMGA, is theoretically determined on the source fault from the arrival times at more than three stations by the back-propagation method, taking the coordinates (x, y, and z) and rupture velocity Vr as variables and assuming unbounded media with constant S wave velocity Vs (Kurahashi and Irikura, 2010).
Science
However, all were determined to be dead on arrival at the foundation.
News & Media
See? Dead on arrival.
News & Media
Iteratively, the occurrence time of the follow-up request a i was determined based on the arrival time of the previous request a i −1.
Furthermore, our study demonstrated that the oxy-Hb level determined immediately on hospital arrival was significantly higher in patients with good outcomes (AUC = 0.87), making it a simple and effective indicator of neuroprotection in patients with PCAS.
Science
Those triaged as moderate acuity by ESI on arrival but subsequently determined to be more appropriate for low-acuity triage level 4 or 5 (i.e., over-triaged) had a significantly lower prevalence of admission and critical outcomes as compared to those appropriately triaged to moderate acuity (χ2 = 1184.90 df = 1, p value < 0.001 and χ2 = 213.04, df = 1, p value < 0.001, respectively).
On arrival, weight was determined to the nearest 100 g by using a digital balance, and height was measured to the nearest 0·5 cm by using a wall-mounted stadiometer.
Science
To test the two hypotheses on arrival accuracies, we determined arrival probabilities and migration speeds for all three airborne behaviors and for drift tolerances (Δ, Equation 3 of 0° to 50° in 5° intervals, and transport cost tolerances (ε, Equation 4) of –0.5 to 1.5 in intervals of 0.25.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Prefer clearer alternatives like "decide upon arrival" or "assess upon arrival" to ensure your meaning is easily understood.
Common error
Avoid using the phrase "determine on arrival" as it sounds unnatural and can confuse readers. Choose more direct wording for clarity.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "determine on arrival" attempts to function as an adverbial modifier, specifying when a determination or decision will be made. However, the phrasing is not idiomatic and is considered grammatically awkward, as stated by Ludwig.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "determine on arrival" is considered grammatically awkward and is not recommended for use. Ludwig's analysis indicates that more natural and clear alternatives like "decide upon arrival" or "assess upon arrival" should be preferred. The absence of examples in reliable sources further confirms its uncommon and non-idiomatic nature. Therefore, it's best to opt for clearer phrasing to ensure effective communication.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
decide upon arrival
Replaces "determine" with the more common and straightforward "decide."
assess upon arrival
Uses "assess" to emphasize evaluation rather than pure decision-making.
evaluate upon arrival
Similar to "assess" but may suggest a more formal or structured evaluation.
ascertain upon arrival
More formal than "determine"; suggests finding something out definitively.
find out on arrival
Focuses on discovering information rather than making a decision.
check on arrival
Emphasizes verification or inspection.
establish on arrival
Highlights setting up or confirming something.
confirm upon getting there
Rephrases to emphasize the act of confirming something after reaching the location.
decide when we get there
Simplifies the sentence to reflect a decision being made at the destination.
figure out upon arriving
Uses a more informal term "figure out" to reflect arriving at a conclusion.
FAQs
What's a better way to say "determine on arrival"?
Alternatives include "decide upon arrival", "assess upon arrival", or "find out on arrival", depending on the specific context.
Is "determine on arrival" grammatically correct?
While understandable, "determine on arrival" is considered grammatically awkward. It's better to use clearer phrasing such as "decide upon arrival".
How can I use "decide upon arrival" in a sentence?
Example: "We will "decide upon arrival" whether to proceed with the outdoor activities, based on the weather conditions."
What's the difference between "determine on arrival" and "decide upon arrival"?
"Determine on arrival" is less common and sounds somewhat unnatural. "Decide upon arrival" is a more common and clearer way to express the same idea.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
1.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested