determine the size of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determine the size of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing measurements, dimensions, or quantities in various contexts, such as scientific, technical, or everyday situations. Example: "To ensure the fabric fits properly, we need to determine the size of the pattern pieces before cutting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

KPMG will determine the size of those claims.

The New York Times

Two factors determine the size of the change.

Britannica

Carney said: "You will ultimately determine the size of Britain's pay rise.

The Guardian - Business

He then did trigonometric analyses of building proportions to determine the size of the Globe.

The New York Times

I suggested he use his stepfather's tape measure to determine the size of his head.

The New York Times

Such fluctuations make it difficult to determine the size of the city's unsheltered population.

The Washington Post

It is still hard to determine the size of this group.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And the min_downbkg_tg_d and max_downbkg_tg_d parameters are used to determine the size of the background_down spectrum.

Harvard University

The size of a snake's head and how wide its jaws can open determine the size of its meal.

The New York Times

Such calculations helped him to determine the size of the tunnels that he hoped to locate and explore.

The New Yorker

Tuesday I went back up to the farm to determine the size of bowl to be carved into the rock.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determine the size of", be specific about the units of measurement you will use. For example, specify whether you will be using inches, centimeters, square feet, or another appropriate unit.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "size" without specifying the units. Instead of saying, "determine the size of the room", say, "determine the size of the room in square feet" to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determine the size of" functions as a verbal phrase used to express the action of finding out or establishing the dimensions, area, volume, or extent of something. Ludwig examples show it being used in various contexts, from physical objects to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

27%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "determine the size of" is a versatile and frequently used expression, as Ludwig AI shows, which serves the purpose of indicating a process of measurement or assessment. Grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's suitable for a range of contexts from informal guides to more formal reports. While its meaning is straightforward, remember to provide context on the specific units of measurement to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascertain the dimensions of

Emphasizes a more formal and precise measurement of dimensions.

calculate the area of

Focuses specifically on finding the area, a two-dimensional measurement.

measure the extent of

Highlights the process of measuring the range or scope.

assess the scale of

Implies an evaluation of the magnitude or scope.

estimate the volume of

Specifically refers to approximating the three-dimensional space occupied.

evaluate the magnitude of

Focuses on assessing the greatness or importance of something.

find the measurements of

Highlights the act of discovering specific dimensions or measures.

work out the proportions of

Focuses on calculating the relative dimensions and ratios.

quantify the largeness of

Implies assigning a numerical value to the bigness.

gauge the immensity of

Emphasizes judging the vastness or enormousness.

FAQs

How can I use "determine the size of" in a sentence?

You can use "determine the size of" when you need to find out the dimensions or extent of something. For example, "We need to determine the size of the room before we buy new furniture".

What are some alternatives to "determine the size of"?

Alternatives include "ascertain the dimensions of", "measure the extent of", or "calculate the area of" depending on the context.

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

"Determine the size of" is more formal and precise, suitable for technical or official contexts. "Find out the size of" is more informal and appropriate for casual conversation.

What factors might influence how I "determine the size of" something?

The method you use to "determine the size of" something may depend on the object itself (e.g. whether it's a physical object or an abstract concept), the tools available, and the level of precision required.