determining if

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "determining if" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of assessing or evaluating a condition or situation to see if something is true or applicable. Example: "The researchers are focused on determining if the new drug is effective in treating the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tracking down overdue bills, or determining if they were even collectable, was a particular problem.

The New York Times

Diplomats said a main issue would be determining if the failed launch violated any resolutions.

The New York Times

Mr. McManus said further investigation was necessary before determining if the blaze was considered suspicious.

The New York Times

Pereira said intent would be the most important factor in determining if a flag is thrown.

The New York Times - Sports

Allen and others are now determining if the bacteria are indeed from horses — or from humans.

The New Yorker

The Police Department, charged with determining if murder had occurred, had its initial theories, too.

The New York Times

Mede was treated at a hospital; officers are determining if charges will be filed.

The New York Times

That could go a long way in determining if he's ready to finally win a championship.

The New York Times - Sports

Horvitz's research focused on determining if a specific genetic program controls cell death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Necropsies are considered essential to determining if an existing injury contributed to a fatal breakdown.

The New York Times

As a class, discuss some of the considerations (primarily economic) that go into determining if an invention should be patented.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determining if", ensure the context clearly presents a binary choice or a conditional outcome. This phrasing is most effective when the goal is to ascertain whether a specific condition is met or not.

Common error

Avoid using "determining if" when multiple factors or nuanced conditions are involved. In such cases, opt for more descriptive phrases like "evaluating the extent to which" or "assessing how far" to better capture the complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determining if" functions as a gerund phrase introducing a subordinate clause expressing a condition or uncertainty. It sets up a question that needs to be resolved through investigation or analysis, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "determining if" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to introduce a conditional inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is suitable for a range of contexts, from formal scientific reports to informal discussions, as demonstrated by the many examples provided. While alternatives like "assessing whether" or "evaluating if" exist, "determining if" remains a clear and direct way to frame a question that requires a binary resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascertaining whether

Replaces "determining" with a more formal synonym and "if" with "whether", maintaining the conditional aspect.

assessing whether

Substitutes "determining" with "assessing", focusing on evaluation rather than a definitive conclusion; retains the conditional "whether".

evaluating if

Uses "evaluating" in place of "determining", suggesting a more in-depth examination, keeps the original conditional "if".

investigating whether

Suggests a more thorough inquiry than "determining", and uses "whether" to introduce the condition.

establishing if

Emphasizes the act of confirming or proving something to be true, using the conditional "if".

verifying whether

Stresses the importance of ensuring accuracy, replacing "determining" and using the conditional "whether".

checking to see if

Offers a more informal alternative using "checking" to imply a simple verification process, using the conditional "if".

finding out whether

Replaces "determining" with the phrasal verb "finding out", indicating an investigative approach and "if" with "whether".

deciding whether

Focuses on the decision-making aspect of determining, framing the conditional using "whether".

confirming if

Highlights the act of verifying something, keeping the original conditional "if".

FAQs

How can I use "determining if" in a sentence?

Use "determining if" to introduce a condition or question that needs to be resolved. For example: "Researchers are /s/determining+if the new treatment is effective".

What are some alternatives to "determining if"?

You can use alternatives like "assessing whether", "evaluating if", or "ascertaining whether" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "whether" instead of "if" after "determining"?

While "whether" is often considered more formal and grammatically precise, "if" is commonly used and accepted, especially in less formal contexts. The choice depends on the desired tone and audience.

How does "determining if" differ from "identifying whether"?

"Determining if" implies a process of resolving a question, while "identifying whether" suggests recognizing or pointing out a condition that already exists. The distinction lies in the active investigation versus passive recognition.