is not predetermined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not predetermined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to express that something is not fixed or decided in advance. Example: "The outcome of the experiment is not predetermined, allowing for various possibilities to emerge."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

There must be a way to prevent it – after all, history is not predetermined.

The Guardian - Business

But that berth is certainly not guaranteed, just as — Wenger is correct in pointing out — Tuesday's result is not predetermined.

The New York Times

The same may apply to many financial services.Cash and carryWhat works well in e-commerce is not predetermined for ever.

The Economist

But even in less repressive regimes, the notion that your destiny is not predetermined by that of your parents carries a lot of currency.

The Guardian - Film

The Ravens' pick is valued because it is seen as the first selection that is not predetermined, as much as anything can be assured in the con game that goes on before the N.F.L. draft.

The New York Times - Sports

If I could give my younger self some advice, I'd say: don't worry about it; your life is not predetermined; you'll find your own feet in your own way.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Yet trying to get the market to believe the path isn't predetermined is probably futile.

The Economist

Unlike isotropic materials, their behavior isn't predetermined, so their performance can be tailored to their environment.

TechCrunch

Everything we do isn't predetermined to a genre.

Huffington Post

"The cold war was not predetermined.

The Economist

The future's not predetermined, after all.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not predetermined" to convey the idea that a future outcome or state is open to influence and change, emphasizing agency and possibility. This is particularly useful in discussions of planning, strategy, and personal development.

Common error

Avoid using "is not predetermined" when you actually mean something is unpredictable. "Predetermined" implies a fixed, pre-existing plan, whereas unpredictability simply means you can't know the outcome in advance. A coin toss is unpredictable, but a rigged coin toss is predetermined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not predetermined" functions as a descriptive phrase, often used to qualify a noun or situation, indicating that a particular outcome or state has not been decided or fixed in advance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

29%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not predetermined" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that conveys the idea that an outcome or state is open to influence and not fixed in advance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Predominantly found in science, news media, and formal business contexts, it serves to emphasize potential for change and agency. When using this phrase, remember that it speaks to the absence of a pre-existing plan, and choose it to emphasize agency. Alternatives such as "is not fixed" or "remains to be seen" offer similar meanings but differ in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not set in stone

Emphasizes the mutability and flexibility of a situation, differing slightly in tone.

is not fixed

Focuses on the absence of a static or unchangeable state.

is not guaranteed

Highlights the uncertainty of a specific outcome.

is not inevitable

Suggests that an outcome can be avoided or altered.

is not preordained

Implies that the outcome hasn't been divinely or fatefully decided.

is not cast in stone

Similar to "is not set in stone", this emphasizes a lack of permanence.

is not a foregone conclusion

Indicates that the result is still open to change and not yet certain.

is not written in stone

Emphasizes flexibility and the possibility of change, with a slightly different idiom.

is still up in the air

Focuses on the lack of resolution or certainty.

remains to be seen

Indicates that the final outcome is yet to be determined by future events.

FAQs

How can I use "is not predetermined" in a sentence?

You can use "is not predetermined" to indicate that an outcome is still open to change or influence. For example, "The success of the project is not predetermined; it depends on our efforts".

What's a good alternative to "is not predetermined"?

Alternatives include "is not fixed", "is not guaranteed", or "remains to be seen", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is not predetermined" or "isn't predetermined"?

Both "is not predetermined" and "isn't predetermined" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on the desired level of formality, with the contracted form "isn't" being slightly more informal.

What's the difference between "is not predetermined" and "is unpredictable"?

"Is not predetermined" suggests that an outcome is not fixed in advance and can be influenced. "Is unpredictable" implies that the outcome is impossible to know or forecast accurately, even if it is already determined. The first suggests the future can be changed; the second suggests it cannot be known.