dictate that

USAGE SUMMARY

'dictate that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to state an authoritative command or instruction. Example sentence: The rules of the game dictate that each player must take a turn in order.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We'll let time dictate that.

The New York Times - Sports

Common sense would dictate that".

The Guardian

I think the market will dictate that".

The New York Times

"Now circumstances dictate that we act".

The New York Times

But we can't just dictate that point.

The Guardian - Opinion

But wars dictate that people choose sides.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I think the results on the field will dictate that.

The New York Times

Human nature – and fundamentally sound football – dictate that.

The New York Times

Fairness, precedent and common sense dictate that it should.

The New York Times

"The circumstances did not dictate that we think critically".

The New York Times - Magazine

The merits dictate that the bill be passed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dictate that" to clearly express a non-negotiable requirement or outcome. Ensure the context supports the authoritative tone.

Common error

Avoid using "dictate that" in casual conversations or informal writing where a less assertive tone is more appropriate. Consider using alternatives like "suggest" or "indicate" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dictate that" functions as a verb phrase introducing a subordinate clause that specifies a required or predetermined action or state. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show its use to express rules, norms, or requirements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dictate that" is a versatile phrase used to express a command, rule, or requirement. Ludwig AI affirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal contexts. It's most commonly found in news, science, and business settings, where clearly stating rules and requirements is crucial. When choosing to use "dictate that", be mindful of the context, and consider alternatives like "require that" or "stipulate that" if a less assertive tone is preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stipulate that

Replaces "dictate" with a more formal term for specifying a condition.

require that

Uses a more direct verb to indicate a necessary condition or obligation.

mandate that

Emphasizes the authoritative nature of the requirement.

prescribe that

Suggests a rule or guideline that must be followed.

ordain that

Implies a formal or official decree.

determine that

Focuses on the decision-making aspect that leads to a specific outcome.

necessitate that

Highlights the compelling reason for a particular action or outcome.

call for

Expresses a demand or need for something to happen.

make it compulsory that

More descriptive alternative that emphasizes mandatory nature of something.

leave no option but to

Highlights the lack of alternative actions or behaviors.

FAQs

How do you use "dictate that" in a sentence?

The phrase "dictate that" is used to express a command, rule, or principle that must be followed. For example, "The company policy "dictates that" all employees attend the safety training."

What can I say instead of "dictate that"?

You can use alternatives like "require that", "stipulate that", or "mandate that" depending on the context. The nuances of each alternative depend on the level of authority being expressed. See more at /s/require+that, /s/stipulate+that, /s/mandate+that.

Is it better to use "dictate that" or "require that"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "dictate that" implies a higher level of authority or control compared to "require that". Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing. You can read more about "require that".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "dictate that"?

Use "dictate that" when you want to emphasize a rule or requirement that is not open to negotiation. It is often used in formal or official contexts, such as legal documents, company policies, or scientific research.