determine the truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determine the truth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of finding out what is accurate or factual in a given situation. Example: "The investigator's job is to determine the truth behind the allegations made against the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is my most sincere desire," he continued, "to determine the truth about what happened".

The New York Times

He saw through cant and propaganda to determine the truth behind eastern bloc politics.

The Guardian

His intervention resulted in evidentiary hearings to determine the truth of the charges.

The New York Times

Prawit committed to looking into the testimony in order to determine the truth.

The Guardian

The reader must sort through these self-exculpatory speeches and determine the truth behind the incident.

Independent

Obstruction is broader, anything that hinders law enforcement's ability to determine the truth, such as destruction of evidence.

The New Yorker

The best way to ensure and determine the truth of a confession is to record and see the entire picture.

The New York Times

A panel of three fact-finders would have 30 days to sift the evidence and determine the truth.

The Washington Post

The only way to determine the truth in science is to have someone reproduce the effect you find.

The Guardian

At Global Press Journal, we believe it's difficult if not impossible to determine the truth without engaging local people.

Harvard University

But a spokeswoman for USA Yoga said the group was confident that the court would determine the truth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determine the truth" in legal or investigative contexts, ensure that the process for determining the truth is transparent and unbiased to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "determine the truth" when the situation involves subjective opinions or interpretations, as truth in these cases may be multifaceted and not easily determined with certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determine the truth" functions as an infinitive verb phrase. It typically serves as a noun phrase within a sentence, often acting as the object of another verb, expressing the goal or aim of an action. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "determine the truth" is a frequently used infinitive verb phrase that signifies the process of establishing facts or accuracy. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in news, academic, and scientific domains. Alternatives such as "establish the facts" or "ascertain the truth" offer similar meanings but with slightly different nuances. When employing this phrase, especially in formal settings, it's vital to maintain transparency and avoid overstating certainty, as truth can be subjective. Ludwig's extensive examples highlight its versatile usage and importance in clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish the facts

Focuses on confirming factual information, emphasizing verifiability.

ascertain the truth

Implies a careful investigation to find out the truth.

uncover the truth

Suggests revealing something previously hidden.

find out the truth

A more informal way of saying "determine the truth".

discover the facts

Similar to "establish the facts" but with an emphasis on finding them out.

establish the accuracy

Focuses on confirming the precision of information.

get to the bottom of

An idiomatic expression indicating a thorough investigation.

reveal the truth

Highlights the act of making the truth known.

verify the facts

Emphasizes confirming the correctness of the information.

examine the evidence

Implies a detailed inspection of evidence to determine truth.

FAQs

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

You can use "determine the truth" to describe the process of finding accurate or factual information. For example, "The goal of the investigation is to "determine the truth" behind the allegations."

What phrases are similar to "determine the truth"?

Alternatives include "establish the facts", "ascertain the truth", or "uncover the truth", each with slight nuances in meaning.

Is it better to use "determine the truth" or "find the truth"?

"Determine the truth" is generally more formal and suggests a careful, systematic investigation. "Find the truth" is more informal but essentially conveys the same meaning. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

In what situations is "determine the truth" most appropriate?

"Determine the truth" is particularly suitable in contexts involving investigations, legal proceedings, or academic research, where there's a need to establish facts and accuracy through a rigorous process.