is determined by

USAGE SUMMARY

"is determined by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate the cause or source of something. For example, "The success of the project is determined by the dedication of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Diagnosis is determined by muscle biopsy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"That is determined by the marketplace".

The New York Times

Authenticity is determined by gauging those reactions.

The New York Times

DNA's operation is determined by its shape.

The Guardian

In Manhattan, success is determined by view.

Princeton University

Candidacy is determined by faculty vote.

Stanford University

Grade is determined by each student's mentor.

Cornell University

That fee is determined by the union.

Princeton University

// effect is determined by the NetCon.

Yale University

where Ac is determined by attack_exp and tau_amp and Am is determined by freq_depth and tau_freq.

Cornell University

Its forward momentum is determined by weight and speed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is determined by", ensure that the causal relationship is clear and logical to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of 'Success is determined by effort', be specific: 'Project success is determined by consistent effort from all team members'.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice when using "is determined by". Excessive passive voice can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Instead of 'The decision is determined by the committee', consider 'The committee determines the decision' for a more active and direct statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is determined by" functions as a connector establishing a causal relationship between two elements. It indicates that the nature, outcome, or characteristic of one thing is a direct result of another. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and used to indicate the source of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

31%

News & Media

34%

Science

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is determined by" is a grammatically sound and very common construction used to express causation or dependency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct phrase for indicating the source or cause of something. It is most frequently encountered in academic, news, and scientific contexts. While the phrase is versatile, writers should be mindful of potential overuse of passive voice and strive for clarity and precision in their writing. Consider alternative phrases like "depends on" or "is influenced by" for subtle variations in meaning or style. By understanding the nuances of this phrase, writers can effectively convey causal relationships in a variety of settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is influenced by

Replaces "determined" with "influenced", suggesting a less absolute form of causation.

is affected by

Similar to "influenced by", but can imply a more direct impact.

depends on

Indicates a conditional relationship, where the outcome relies on something else.

is contingent upon

A more formal version of "depends on", suggesting a reliance on specific conditions.

is a function of

Suggests a mathematical or systematic relationship between two things.

is governed by

Implies that something is controlled or regulated by specific rules or principles.

is dictated by

Suggests that something is commanded or prescribed by something else.

is shaped by

Indicates that something is molded or formed by external forces.

arises from

Highlights the origin or source from which something originates.

stems from

Similar to "arises from", emphasizing the root cause or origin.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is determined by" to sound more active?

You can use active voice alternatives like "depends on", "is influenced by", or "is affected by" to make your writing more direct.

Is it always appropriate to use "is determined by" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is determined by" can sometimes sound passive. In formal writing, ensure that the causal relationship is clear and that the passive voice doesn't obscure the agent causing the determination. Consider active alternatives if clarity can be improved.

What's the difference between "is determined by" and "is influenced by"?

"Is determined by" implies a more decisive or absolute causation, while "is influenced by" suggests a less direct or partial effect. The choice depends on the strength of the causal relationship you want to convey.

How can I make sentences with "is determined by" more concise?

Ensure that the subject and object of the phrase are clearly defined. Avoid unnecessary words or phrases that don't add meaning to the sentence. Sometimes, rephrasing with an active voice verb can also make the sentence more concise.