determines the future

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determines the future" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how certain actions, decisions, or events can influence or shape what will happen later on. Example: "The choices we make today ultimately determine the future of our society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"This determines the future of our city," Ms. Pichon said.

The New York Times

The test, in essence, determines the future for Taiwanese children.

The New York Times - Magazine

What happens to him determines the future of Russia".

The New York Times

True, performance ultimately determines the future flow of funds.

The New York Times

How you use those is what determines the future value of your qualification.

The Guardian

It will be how far and how fast the dollar falls that determines the future for America's economy and the world's.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

America cannot determine the future of Egypt.

The New York Times

So there's no point trying to determine the future?

The Guardian

But terrorists will not determine the future of Iraq.

The New York Times

Many factors will determine the future of Governors Island.

The New York Times

It is not intended to determine the future border between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determines the future", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is influencing the future outcome. For example, "Education determines the future success of individuals."

Common error

Avoid using "determines the future" when the subject only has a partial or limited influence. Instead of "This project determines the future of the company", consider "This project significantly impacts the company's future".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determines the future" functions as a verb phrase that indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, asserting that something has a significant influence on what will happen in the future. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "determines the future" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize the significant influence of something on future outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring the subject genuinely has a substantial impact, rather than overstating its influence. Alternatives such as "shapes the future" or "influences the future" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. Understanding the nuances of this phrase will help you use it effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shapes the future

Focuses on the act of giving form or direction to future events.

dictates the future

Emphasizes a more controlling or authoritative influence on future events.

influences the future

Highlights the power to affect or alter future outcomes without necessarily controlling them.

impacts the future

Focuses on the effect or consequence on the future.

decides the future

Highlights the act of making a choice that will affect the future.

governs the future

Implies a regulatory or controlling effect on the future.

controls the future

Suggests a high degree of power and ability to direct the future.

affects the future

Indicates a more general influence on the course of future events.

establishes the future

Highlights the act of setting up or creating the foundation for the future.

molds the future

Suggests a gradual and formative influence on the future.

FAQs

How can I use "determines the future" in a sentence?

You can use "determines the future" to express that something has a significant impact on what will happen later. For example: "The choices we make today ultimately "determines the future" of our society."

What phrases are similar to "determines the future"?

You can use alternatives like "shapes the future", "influences the future", or "impacts the future" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "determines the future" in formal writing?

Yes, "determines the future" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing long-term consequences or significant impacts.

What is the difference between "determines the future" and "affects the future"?

"Determines the future" implies a more decisive and controlling influence, while "affects the future" suggests a more general or partial influence.