determines whether

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determines whether" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a condition or factor that influences a decision or outcome. Example: "The test results determine whether the patient requires further treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A similar test determines whether a tribunal is independent.

Harvard University

The mode parameter determines whether these are relative or absolute.

Harvard University

Confidence determines whether consumers spend, and so whether companies invest.

The Economist

The grand jury determines whether charges can be brought.

The New York Times

The card-issuing institution determines whether to accept or deny the transaction.

The New York Times - Travel

Class determines whether or not you breastfeed, but being breastfed doesn't make you middle-class.

The Guardian - Opinion

This often determines whether or not they are likely to get a disease".

The Guardian

Thus scientific knowledge determines whether they understand that humans are causing global warming.

The Guardian

Your executive presence determines whether you gain access to opportunity.

Forbes

This interaction determines whether a system is narrowband or wideband.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Authorization state determines whether the requirement is authorized for development.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determines whether", ensure the sentence clearly articulates both the determining factor and the potential outcomes. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid embedding multiple clauses within sentences using "determines whether". Simpler constructions often improve readability. Break down complex ideas into separate sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determines whether" functions as a connector, linking a condition, factor, or action to its possible outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, serving to indicate the influence one element has on deciding among alternatives, similar to examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

31%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "determines whether" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that connects a condition to an outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its presence across diverse contexts like news, academia, and science. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for professional and academic writing. When employing this phrase, clarity and sentence structure are key to effective communication. Alternatives like "decides if" or "establishes if" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight nuances. Understanding the contexts and potential outcomes ensures effective use of "determines whether" in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decides if

Replaces "determines whether" with a more direct and simpler phrase, focusing on the act of deciding.

establishes if

Substitutes "determines" with "establishes", implying a more formal or conclusive determination.

influences if

Shifts the focus to influence rather than direct determination.

governs whether

Implies a rule-based or controlling influence on the outcome.

dictates whether

Suggests a stronger, more absolute control over the outcome.

is conditional on

Expresses the idea of a dependency between two events.

hinges on whether

Indicates that the outcome is critically dependent on a specific condition.

is dependent on

Focuses on the dependence of one factor on another to yield a certain result.

resolves if

Suggests the action of solving or clarifying if something will happen.

settles if

Focuses on the act of concluding or finalizing a condition.

FAQs

How to use "determines whether" in a sentence?

Use "determines whether" to connect a condition or factor to a potential outcome or decision. For example, "The test results "determine whether" the patient needs further treatment".

What can I say instead of "determines whether"?

You can use alternatives like "decides if", "establishes if", or "influences if" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. "Decides if" is generally simpler and more direct.

Which is correct, "determines whether" or "determines that"?

"Determines whether" is used when presenting two or more possible outcomes or conditions. "Determines that" is used when stating a conclusion or established fact. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "determines whether" and "affects whether"?

"Determines whether" implies a direct influence on the outcome, whereas "affects whether" suggests a less direct or partial influence. Something that "affects whether" might contribute to the outcome but not fully control it.