determines the outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determines the outcome" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the action or factor that ultimately decides the result or consequence of a situation. Example: The team's performance in the final game will determine the outcome of the entire season.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But money alone rarely determines the outcome of national elections.

The New York Times

And this latter statement determines the outcome of this case.

Cornell University

It determines the outcome of elections and the trajectory of careers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Foreign policy on its own rarely determines the outcome of an election.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's how you work with the client day to day" that determines the outcome, Mr. Ferro said.

The New York Times

In roulette, luck alone determines the outcome; in poker, decisions do.

The Economist

"There's usually a defining play, a defining situation in the game that determines the outcome.

The New York Times

And it is the coveted women's vote that determines the outcome of many of our national elections.

The Washington Post

The interplay between mycobacteria and host determines the outcome of infection.

Immunobiology

The secretome of stem cells strongly determines the outcome of tissue engineering strategies.

Biochimie

Cameron, in turn, responded by ruling out a "neverendum", saying: "It is a once-in-a-generation, once-in-a lifetime opportunity and the result determines the outcome.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "determines the outcome" when you want to emphasize a direct causal relationship between an action, factor, or decision and its result. This phrase is useful for making strong, clear statements about what influences a situation's conclusion.

Common error

While "determines the outcome" is appropriate for formal or analytical writing, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal contexts. Consider alternatives like "decides what happens" or "affects how it turns out" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determines the outcome" functions as a verb phrase indicating a cause-and-effect relationship. As Ludwig indicates, it shows that something has a direct and decisive influence on the final result. The examples show its versatility across different subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "determines the outcome" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English, indicating a direct cause-and-effect relationship. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. While "News & Media" and "Science" represent the most common areas of use, it’s crucial to maintain a balance and avoid overuse in casual conversation to maintain a natural tone. The related phrases offered provide alternatives for varying the intensity and nuance of the statement. Overall, "determines the outcome" is a valuable tool for expressing causality in a clear and concise manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dictates the result

Emphasizes a strong influence, suggesting a more rigid control over the outcome.

decides the consequence

Focuses on the consequence as the result of a decision.

shapes the result

Implies a more gradual and formative influence on the outcome.

governs the final result

Highlights the rule-based or systematic influence on the outcome.

controls the effect

Emphasizes a direct control over the resulting effect.

influences the effect

Suggests a less forceful impact, focusing on subtle influences.

resolves the situation

Focuses on resolving uncertainty in the situation.

settles the matter

Implies a conclusive resolution or decision regarding the issue.

establishes the conclusion

Highlights the establishment of a final conclusion or result.

predetermines the end

Suggests that the end is fixed in advance.

FAQs

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

You can use "determines the outcome" to show how something directly influences a result. For example, "The amount of effort you put in "determines the outcome" of the project."

What are some alternatives to "determines the outcome"?

Alternatives include "dictates the result", "shapes the result", or "influences the effect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "determines the outcome" or "affects the outcome"?

"Determines the outcome" suggests a stronger, more decisive influence than "affects the outcome". "Affects the outcome" implies a more partial or contributory influence.

What's the difference between "determines the outcome" and "impacts the outcome"?

"Determines the outcome" suggests a direct cause-and-effect relationship, while "impacts the outcome" indicates a significant influence that may not be the sole determining factor. The difference lies in the degree of influence.