determining whether to

USAGE SUMMARY

"determining whether to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to express a decision or an option between two possible choices. Example: We are currently determining whether to continue to offer our services online or to close the business permanently.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We require a full risk assessment from the authorities before determining whether to carry a deportee".

The Guardian

The answer is crucial in determining whether to vote against a pay proposal.

The New York Times

A. I recommend its use as a first screen in determining whether to invest in a stock.

The New York Times

Most charter institutions have been open five years, the standard period for determining whether to renew a charter.

The New York Times

Companies should also consider the needs of emergency workers when determining whether to evacuate, Mr. Catranzos said.

The New York Times

Traffic isn't the only factor that editors examine when determining whether to kill or expand a blog.

The New York Times

Local and state law enforcement agencies are still determining whether to bring criminal charges in the case.

The New York Times

It also highlights the dearth of data that F.D.A. officials are confronting in determining whether to impose additional regulations.

The New York Times

Detectives searched his home on 14 January and prosecutors have sought additional information before determining whether to pursue charges.

Independent

Determining whether to adjust for this fair value on debt is where we believe the bidders and the board held major differences.

The Guardian - Business

Once hired, the director will be in charge of determining whether to hire a new general manager or to keep John Nash.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "determining whether to", ensure the context clearly defines the subject making the determination and the options being considered.

Common error

Ensure that the sentence structure clearly indicates who is "determining" and what the specific options are. Vague wording can lead to confusion about the decision-making process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "determining whether to" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to introduce a clause expressing a decision-making process or evaluation of options. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "determining whether to" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to introduce a decision-making process, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans across various contexts, with particular prevalence in news, science, and business settings. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying the decision-maker and the options under consideration. While alternatives like "deciding whether to" exist, "determining whether to" often implies a more formal and investigative approach. Therefore, understanding its nuances contributes to more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deciding if one should

Replaces "whether to" with "if one should", emphasizing the conditional aspect of the decision.

assessing the option to

Shifts the focus to evaluating the possibility of taking a particular action.

evaluating whether it's appropriate to

Adds a layer of judgment regarding the suitability of an action.

considering if it is advisable to

Introduces the concept of advisability or prudence in the decision-making process.

investigating the possibility of

Highlights the exploratory aspect of considering an action.

weighing up the decision to

Emphasizes the process of carefully balancing different factors before making a choice.

deliberating on the choice of

Focuses on the thoughtful consideration of different options.

judging whether or not to

Adds a layer of assessment and potential skepticism towards the action.

pondering the question of

Emphasizes deep and careful thought about the issue.

examining the prospect of

Highlights the potential or future aspect of considering an action.

FAQs

What does "determining whether to" mean?

The phrase "determining whether to" means deciding or figuring out if a particular action should be taken or a specific choice should be made. It implies a process of evaluation and consideration before making a final decision.

How can I use "determining whether to" in a sentence?

You can use "determining whether to" to introduce a decision-making process. For example: "The committee is "determining whether to" approve the new budget proposal".

What are some alternatives to "determining whether to"?

Alternatives to "determining whether to" include "deciding whether to", "assessing if one should", or "evaluating the option to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "determining whether to" or "deciding whether to"?

Both "determining whether to" and "deciding whether to" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Determining" often suggests a more formal or investigative approach to decision-making, while "deciding" is generally more straightforward.