determine the origin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determine the origin" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of identifying the source or starting point of something, such as an idea, object, or phenomenon. Example: "In order to understand the cultural significance of this artifact, we must first determine the origin of its materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The medical examiner could not determine the origin of the patchy scars, called fibrosis.

The New York Times - Sports

By combining the data, they were able to determine the origin of 96percentt of 200 cocaine samples.

The New York Times - Science

To date, we have not been able to determine the origin of the money used for the 9/11 attacks.

The New York Times

This is one reason why it is difficult to determine the origin of slang terms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

China, Japan, the United States and New Zealand have also sent ships to help locate and determine the origin of any debris found.

The Guardian

The new study argues it is important for scientists to determine the origin of cholera outbreaks and how they spread in order to eliminate "accidentally imported disease".

The Guardian

He is also using the isotopes to determine the origin of wine grapes, a potentially important application for the field of terroir.

The New York Times - Science

In many ways, it is difficult to determine the origin of standards.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

To determine the origin of fundus autofluorescence (AF) patterns in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

American Journal of Ophthalmology

The aim of this study was to determine the origin of production of IPG-P.

Journal of Reproductive Immunology

The off-line image processing and its interpretation by the practitioner permit to determine the origin of the disease.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determine the origin" in academic writing, clearly define the scope of your investigation. Specify what aspect of the origin you are trying to determine to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "determine the origin" when a more specific term like "identify the source" or "establish the provenance" would be more accurate and informative. Vague usage can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determine the origin" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to describe the action of discovering or establishing the source or cause of something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "determine the origin" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves the purpose of identifying or investigating the source or beginning of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various fields, including science, news, and encyclopedic content. While alternatives like "identify the source" and "establish the provenance" exist, the choice depends on the context and desired level of specificity. To ensure clarity, be precise about what aspect of the origin you're investigating. Overall, "determine the origin" is a versatile and valuable tool for writers seeking to explore and explain the roots of a subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identify the source

Focuses on pinpointing the specific source rather than the broader concept of origin.

ascertain the root

Emphasizes uncovering the fundamental cause or basis.

establish the provenance

Highlights the history of ownership and authenticity, often used for artifacts.

trace the ancestry

Implies following a lineage or historical path.

find the genesis

Focuses on the very beginning or creation.

discover the foundation

Highlights the underlying principles or basis.

uncover the etymology

Specifically relates to tracing the history of a word.

investigate the beginnings

Suggests a more in-depth inquiry into how something started.

explore the roots

Similar to "ascertain the root", but conveys a more exploratory approach.

detect the source

Highlights the act of finding the source often using technical equipment.

FAQs

How can I use "determine the origin" in a sentence?

You can use "determine the origin" to discuss identifying the source or beginning of something. For example, "Scientists are working to determine the origin of the new virus strain".

What can I say instead of "determine the origin"?

You can use alternatives like "identify the source", "ascertain the root", or "establish the provenance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "determine the origin" or "determine the source"?

Both "determine the origin" and "determine the source" are correct. The best choice depends on the context; "origin" is broader, while "source" is more specific.

What's the difference between "determine the origin" and "investigate the beginnings"?

"Determine the origin" implies a focus on finding the starting point, while "investigate the beginnings" suggests a more extensive inquiry into the initial stages and development.