determined by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determined by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is caused or affected by something else. For example: "The cost of the project was determined by the number of supplies needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rankings are determined by accuracy and speed.

The New York Times

Diagnosis is determined by muscle biopsy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The award was determined by public ballot.

The New York Times

The order is mostly determined by seeding.

The New York Times - Sports

Vulnerability also may be determined by rotation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Upward mobility is increasingly determined by education.

The Economist

(The moves are determined by the machine).

The New York Times

Art prices are now determined by brand.

The New York Times - Arts

(Team finishes were determined by cumulative times).

The New York Times - Magazine

Flavor is determined by diet.

Forbes

"Science is not determined by court order".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determined by", ensure that the causal relationship is clear and unambiguous to avoid misinterpretations. For example, clarify what factors influence an outcome to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "determined by" as it can make your writing sound vague or indirect. Consider active voice alternatives when appropriate to create a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determined by" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject is acted upon or influenced by something else. As seen in Ludwig, this construction is frequently used to describe relationships where one factor dictates the state or outcome of another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "determined by" is a versatile and frequently used passive construction that highlights cause-and-effect relationships. As validated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted across various contexts, especially in science, news, and encyclopedic sources. To maintain clarity and engagement, consider balancing its use with active voice alternatives. Understanding these nuances can significantly enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affected by

A broad term indicating that something has been impacted or altered by something else.

caused by

Directly indicates the factor responsible for producing a specific result or condition.

dependent on

Highlights the reliance of one factor on another for its existence or characteristics.

governed by

Replaces "determined" with "governed", implying a rule-based or regulatory influence.

influenced by

Indicates a less direct but still significant effect on the outcome.

resulted from

Focuses on the origin or source from which something arises.

dictated by

Suggests a more forceful or authoritative influence in determining the outcome.

shaped by

Suggests that something has been molded or formed by the influencing factor.

contingent on

Emphasizes the conditional nature of the relationship, where the outcome depends on something else.

based on

Highlights that the result is derived from a rationale based on

FAQs

How can I use "determined by" in a sentence?

Use "determined by" to indicate that one thing is caused or decided by another. For instance, "The outcome of the experiment was "determined by" the initial conditions".

What are some alternatives to "determined by"?

You can use alternatives such as "influenced by", "governed by", or "dictated by", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "determined by" or "determines"?

Whether to use "determined by" (passive voice) or "determines" (active voice) depends on the desired emphasis. "Determines" places focus on the actor, while "determined by" highlights the result. For example, "The weather determines the crops" versus "The crops are "determined by" the weather".

What does "determined by" mean in a scientific context?

In science, "determined by" typically indicates a cause-and-effect relationship or a factor that controls a specific outcome. For example, "Cell growth is "determined by" the availability of nutrients".