determined to get even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determined to get even" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong resolve or intention to seek revenge or retribution for a perceived wrong. Example: "After being betrayed by his friend, he was determined to get even and plotted his next move carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Wet, but determined to get even with the trout, I joined my comrades for the march upstream.

The New York Times - Sports

He was determined to get even with his former hero, George Washington, for example, who he felt had abandoned him in his time of need in Robespierre's terrorised Paris.

The Guardian - Books

But the Starr passages reveal that Clinton is still angry and determined to get even - via the political career of his wife if necessary.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I'm fairly satisfied," Phelps said at a news conference after the competition, adding that he was determined to get in even better shape.

The New York Times - Sports

If you are determined to get an even, complete-slice tan, one which guarantees crispness across the whole surface with no bready patches, then given the notoriously temperamental nature of toaster settings, the grill is essential.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was determined to get away even though he didn't know how to find them.

Vice

If you were dropped off at the airport and are fending for yourself, make it look like you know where you are going and are determined to get there, even if you're not quite sure where to go.

WikiHow

He remains determined to get something built, even if it's not as vast as he initially envisaged.

The Washington Post

Like Mr. Leach, this restaurant is determined to get your attention, even if it has to let you mix your own vodka drinks in a special vestibule.

The New York Times - Food

He remains determined to get something built, even if it's not as vast as he once envisaged, or made of concrete as he used to describe it, or financed by Mexico as he famously promised his supporters.

The Washington Post

Check me in Rooms from £85 1982 World Cup Los Tamarises, Bilbao This time, the FA was determined to get it right even to the extent of manager Ron Greenwood testing the mattresses himself before confirming the booking.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "determined to get even" when you want to convey a strong sense of resolve to retaliate or seek retribution for a perceived wrong. Ensure the context aligns with the intensity of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "determined to get even" in formal or professional writing, as it can sound overly aggressive or vindictive. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "seeking resolution" or "addressing the issue" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determined to get even" functions as an adjectival phrase describing a state of mind or intention. It modifies a subject, indicating their strong resolution to retaliate or seek retribution. Ludwig confirms that it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "determined to get even" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey a strong resolve to retaliate or seek retribution. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively rare in occurrence, it primarily appears in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, consider the potential intensity and adjust your word choice based on the formality of the situation. Alternative phrases like "intent on revenge" or "resolved to retaliate" may provide a more nuanced or appropriate tone depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determined to retaliate

Highlights the resolution to take retaliatory action.

intent on revenge

Focuses specifically on the intention to seek revenge.

resolved to retaliate

Emphasizes a firm decision to take retaliatory action.

set on evening the score

Indicates a goal to balance a past injustice.

bent on payback

Suggests a strong and unwavering focus on achieving payback.

vowing revenge

Emphasizes a solemn promise to exact revenge.

seeking retribution

Highlights the act of seeking just punishment or compensation.

out for vengeance

Implies an active pursuit of vengeance.

aiming for retribution

Highlights the purpose for retribution.

fixated on revenge

Conveys an obsessive focus on getting revenge.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "determined to get even"?

Being "determined to get even" signifies a strong resolution to retaliate or seek revenge for a perceived injustice or wrong. It implies a focused intention to balance the score or inflict a similar harm in return.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "determined to get even"?

It's appropriate to use "determined to get even" in contexts where you want to emphasize a strong desire for retribution. However, consider the audience and the formality of the situation, as it can sometimes sound aggressive. Alternatives like "intent on revenge" or "resolved to retaliate" may be more suitable in formal settings.

What are some alternatives to saying "determined to get even"?

You can use alternatives such as "seeking retribution", "bent on payback", or "out for vengeance" to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The choice depends on the specific context and the level of intensity you wish to express.

Is "determined to get even" grammatically correct?

Yes, "determined to get even" is grammatically correct. It uses the past participle "determined" followed by an infinitive phrase "to get even", which is a standard construction in English. It is usable in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.