determine the reason

USAGE SUMMARY

"determine the reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a need to investigate and find an explanation for something. For example: "We need to determine the reason why there was a delay in the shipment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is possible to determine the reason for this limitation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Still it is too early to determine the reason or the place where that fire started," it said.

The Guardian

Additional tests were necessary to determine the reason for the swelling, said Dr. Giuseppe Fortuni, who participated in the autopsy in Rimini, Italy.

The New York Times - Sports

tests used to determine the reason for the operation.

Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems

To determine the reason of the failure, a detailed CAD model of the housing was developed.

Engineering Failure Analysis

In order to determine the reason of the fatigue failure, stress analysis was performed via the finite element method.

Engineering Failure Analysis

We are unable to determine the reason for the low rate of attendances in young children in this study.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

To determine the reason for this phenomenon, we analyzed the isochronism of seismic reflection at the break in the channel.

Petroleum Science

"We will determine the reason for the infection, and we are going to hold those responsible accountable," he said.

Science Magazine

We can't determine the reason for this from our own data (yet), but research from Revoo, a rating and reviews service, might hold the answer.

TechCrunch

Judge B: We should not determine the reason for a case; it should be determined by the plaintiff according to the rule.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "determine the reason" when initiating an investigation or analysis aimed at uncovering the underlying cause or explanation for a phenomenon or event.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses when using the phrase. For example, use "determine the reason" instead of "determining the reason" when stating a need to find out the cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determine the reason" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as a verb complement or to express purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It sets the stage for an inquiry aimed at uncovering an explanation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "determine the reason" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase, especially within scientific, news, and formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a call to investigate and understand the underlying cause or explanation for something. While alternatives like "establish the reason" or "identify the cause" exist, "determine the reason" maintains a versatile and formal tone suitable for various professional and academic settings. Employ it confidently to initiate inquiries and analyses, ensuring clarity and well-supported explanations in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish the reason

Focuses on firmly establishing the reason, implying a more definitive finding.

determine the cause

Replaces "reason" with "cause", emphasizing the origin or source of something.

ascertain the reason

Uses "ascertain" to mean finding something out for certain, adding a layer of confirmation.

identify the reason

Replaces "determine" with "identify", focusing on recognizing the reason among other possibilities.

determine the motive

Substitutes "reason" with "motive", shifting the focus to the underlying intention or purpose.

determine the justification

Replaces "reason" with "justification", focusing on finding an acceptable explanation or excuse.

find out the reason

Uses a more informal phrasing to express the act of discovering the reason.

investigate the reason

Emphasizes a systematic or formal inquiry to discover the reason.

explore the reason

Suggests a thorough examination of the reason, implying a more in-depth analysis.

understand the reason

Shifts the focus to comprehending or grasping the explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "determine the reason" to introduce an investigation or analysis aimed at finding an explanation. For example, "Scientists are working to determine the reason for the sudden decline in bee populations."

What are some alternatives to "determine the reason"?

Some alternatives include "establish the reason", "ascertain the reason", or "identify the reason", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "determine the reason" or "find out the reason"?

"Determine the reason" is generally more formal and suitable for academic or professional contexts, while "find out the reason" is more informal and appropriate for casual conversation.

What is the difference between "determine the reason" and "determine the cause"?

While similar, "determine the reason" focuses on understanding the explanation or rationale, while "determine the cause" emphasizes identifying the origin or source of something.